Russia and Eurasian bloc demands referendum in Armenia
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are demanding that Armenia define its geopolitical direction, according to the Kremlin's official website.
The presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan have called on Yerevan to hold a nationwide referendum as soon as possible.
Main points of the statement:
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Choosing a course: Armenia must officially choose between pursuing European Union membership or remaining within the EAEU.
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Economic risks: The leaders argue that Armenia's pro-EU ambitions create "severe risks to the economic security" of other union members.
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Potential suspension: EAEU members plan to review the consequences of suspending the Union Treaty with respect to Armenia as early as December 2026 at the upcoming EAEU summit.
Armenia’s pro-European shift
Ahead of the June 7 elections, the US President publicly endorsed Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, calling him a "great friend and leader." Additionally, Trump announced the launch of a joint transit infrastructure initiative, the TRIPP project, which will run through Armenian territory.
Against this backdrop, Pashinyan delivered a sharp response to a claim by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, who suggested that "nobody needs" Armenia. The head of the Armenian government emphasized that Yerevan no longer intends to rely solely on a single ally.
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified pressure on Armenia over its rapprochement with the European Union. Notably, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov warned that Moscow could scrap preferential supplies of natural gas, petroleum products, and diamonds to Yerevan.
Furthermore, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that Armenia's European integration push is completely unacceptable to Moscow. According to Galuzin, Yerevan's actions directly contradict the country’s commitments under the Eurasian Economic Union.
Previously, Vladimir Putin also threatened Pashinyan with a Ukrainian scenario should Armenia continue its movement toward the EU, urging Yerevan to coordinate foreign policy moves with the Kremlin and take Moscow's position on European integration into account.
