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Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that the country’s bid to join the European Union could disrupt trade with Moscow. The two leaders had a tense meeting on the sidelines of a recent summit, where Putin expressed concern over the future of bilateral trade and Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), a Russia-led union of post-Soviet states. Armenia, which has long been a close ally of Russia, has faced increasingly tense relations with Moscow since deciding to pivot towards the West and begin the process of EU accession, but Pashinyan insists this does not violate any obligations to Russia or the EEU.
Russia’s Putin Warns Armenia’s EU Bid May Disturb Trade
President Vladimir Putin of Russia has cautioned Armenia’s Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, that Yerevan’s aim to join the European Union might impede trade with Moscow. The two nations’ relations have recently hit a low as Yerevan leans towards the West, triggering Moscow’s sharp economic and political backlash.
On Tuesday, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s summit in Kyrgyzstan, Putin insisted on clarity regarding Yerevan’s EU desire to determine the future of Russia’s bilateral trade with Armenia. Putin emphasized that Armenia’s EU membership would signify a break from the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) – a Russia-led bloc of post-Soviet states.
Putin and Pashinyan’s Meeting Overview
The Kremlin reported that Putin told Pashinyan that Yerevan’s EU aspirations might cause difficulties for its EEU membership. Pashinyan responded that Armenia’s decision to initiate the EU accession process does not violate its obligations to Russia or the EEU.
Armenia and Russia’s Relationship
Since the Soviet Union’s fall, Armenia formed close ties with Russia. However, tensions arose after the Nagorno-Karabakh region conflict in 2023. Moscow’s lack of support during this conflict spurred Armenia’s shift towards the West, further straining relations.
Armenia’s Plans for the EU
Last spring, Armenia’s president sanctioned legislation initiating the country’s EU journey. Yet, Pashinyan later clarified that it did not represent an application to join the EU, but rather the commencement of a comprehensive integration process.
The EEU’s Role
The EEU, a union of former Soviet countries coordinating economic and trade policies, views EU membership as incompatible. This union is particularly important for Russia, as it serves a vital geopolitical function. Indeed, Armenia’s EU affiliation represents a departure from Russia’s dominance, provoking tensions within the EEU.
Further heightening tensions, Pashinyan rejected Moscow’s call for an immediate EEU exit referendum to join the EU. He emphasized that Armenia would stay in EEU until a decision between the two blocs “becomes unavoidable”.
Strategic Tug-of-War Over Armenia
At the heart of the issue lies a struggle over Armenia’s strategic alignment. Moscow aims to reverse Armenia’s pro-EU stance, which has led to economic abuse. Plesca, a political analyst, noted that Armenia does have a legal right to join the EU, but doing so while still in the EEU customs union would be legally ambiguous.
Armenia’s First Official EU Summit
Chatham House Report on EEU
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