Putin And Pashinyan Have Engaged In A Public Spat Over Armenia's Course Toward The EU

At one point, the polite conversation escalated into a heated argument in front of the cameras.

A public conversation between Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan escalated into a dispute over the EU and the EAEU.

This was reported by “Agency. News”.

During a meeting in Bishkek, Putin urged Armenia to choose between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union as soon as possible.

He acknowledged the country’s aspiration to join the EU as its “natural” and “legitimate” right, but at the same time warned of possible consequences for its membership in the EAEU.

According to the Russian dictator, Armenia’s rapprochement with the EU could create problems for the country in maintaining the benefits of the common market and lead to a breakdown in trade chains.

“The sooner we make up our minds, the better,” Putin said. He explained that it is important for Moscow to understand how to further develop economic relations with Yerevan.

As evidence, Putin cited figures which, he said, Armenia had achieved since beginning its participation in Eurasian integration. He stated that since 2015, the country’s GDP has nearly tripled, exports to EAEU member states have increased tenfold, and EAEU countries account for about 36% of Armenia’s foreign trade.

The Russian dictator also referred to Pashinyan’s earlier statements about the possibility of holding a referendum. He recalled the May 29 statement by the four EAEU leaders, in which they proposed that Armenia hold a nationwide vote “as soon as possible” on joining the EU or remaining in the EAEU.

Putin stated that he had supported Pashinyan’s position at the time and urged other EAEU leaders to do the same.

Pashinyan’s Response

The Prime Minister of Armenia disagreed with this interpretation of the situation.

Pashinyan stated that Yerevan had analyzed the legal framework between Armenia and Russia, as well as EAEU documents, and found no violations of its obligations.

“Both before and after this, we analyzed the legal framework between the Russian Federation and Armenia, as well as the legal framework within the Eurasian Economic Union, and, to be honest, we found no violations of Armenia’s obligations to the Russian Federation and the Eurasian Economic Union.”

He emphasized that the law adopted in 2025 to launch the process of Armenia’s accession to the EU does not violate the country’s obligations to Russia and the EAEU.

According to Pashinyan, the EAEU treaty provides for a separate procedure for withdrawing from the union, but Armenia has not initiated it.

The prime minister also explained why Yerevan decided in 2025 to pass a law on launching the process of EU accession rather than holding a referendum.

“By passing this law, we effectively abandoned the idea of a referendum,” Pashinyan stated.

Putin objected again

After Pashinyan’s response, Putin spoke up again and directly stated his disagreement with Pashinyan’s position.

“We are having a discussion right now, and I always enjoy debating with you,” said the Russian dictator.

In his view, the very fact of passing a law to begin the process of joining another economic organization already constitutes a declaration of Armenia’s withdrawal from the EAEU. Putin believes that membership in two such organizations is incompatible.

Pashinyan objected again. He stated that Yerevan understands that sooner or later the country will have to make a concrete choice. However, according to him, the necessary conditions for this do not currently exist.

“Right now, we effectively have no alternative; this alternative does not yet exist in reality. When it is created—if it is created—then, of course, we will make a choice, with or without a referendum,” the prime minister said.

In response, Putin urged them not to wait and to put the issue to a vote right now.

“Well, just hold the vote and let’s put an end to this—that’s all,” he said.

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