Putin warns Armenia it can't be in both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Armenia that it cannot simultaneously join the European Union and the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union due to conflicting market regulations and economic policies.
- Armenia, seeking closer ties with the EU and the U.S. after a 2022 peace agreement with Azerbaijan, has suspended participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization, signaling a shift in its foreign policy.
- Putin emphasized that Armenia benefits from discounted Russian natural gas prices, while Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan acknowledged the impossibility of dual membership but aims to maintain cooperation with both blocs.
- Relations between Armenia and Russia have soured following Azerbaijan's reclamation of the Karabakh region in 2023, with Armenia accusing Russian peacekeepers of failing to prevent the conflict, a charge Moscow denies.
- Putin expressed hope for fair competition of pro-Russia forces in Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections, while Pashinyan cited legal restrictions preventing Russian passport holders from participating in the vote.
