By Elen Muradyan
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Monday there is currently no “objective necessity” for Armenia to leave the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), responding to recent comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin suggesting Yerevan must eventually choose between the EEU and the European Union.
“The objective necessity to leave the Eurasian Economic Union simply does not exist,” Pashinyan told reporters at a briefing in Yerevan.
Putin said earlier that Armenia should decide whether to remain in the EEU or begin separating from the bloc.
Also read: Putin warns Armenia’s EU pivot could mirror Ukraine scenario
Pashinyan rejected Putin’s use of the term “divorce” to describe the issue.
“I do not agree with the wording ‘divorce.’ We sometimes confuse interstate relations with marriage, and I do not agree with that formulation,” he said.
Pashinyan stressed that Armenia remains a full member of the EEU and continues to participate fully in the bloc’s decision-making mechanisms.
“As long as the necessity has not arisen, we are not going to raise such a question,” he said, adding that a referendum on the issue would only take place if there were an objective need for it.
The Armenian prime minister said Yerevan respects both its EEU partners and Armenia’s participation in the organization. He reiterated that Armenia is pursuing what he described as a “balanced and balancing” foreign policy based on mutual respect and recognition of interests.
“We have not had, do not have, and will not have a goal of harming Russia’s interests,” Pashinyan said. “We will continue to be guided by the state interests of the Republic of Armenia, and we will continue to deepen and develop our relations with the Russian Federation, with the understanding that an inevitable transformation is taking place in those relations.”
Putin’s remarks came during a press briefing following Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. He suggested Armenia should clarify its geopolitical direction as soon as possible and floated the idea of a referendum on EU membership.
“In my view, it would be right, both for the people of Armenia and for us as its main economic partner, to make the decision as soon as possible,” Putin said. He added that Russia would seek a “soft, civilized and mutually beneficial separation” if Armenia chose a European path.
Putin also drew parallels with Ukraine, saying the conflict there began with Kyiv’s attempts to move closer to the European Union.
Tensions between Armenia and Russia have deepened in recent years, particularly after Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization failed to intervene during Azerbaijan’s incursions into Armenian territory in 2022. Armenia has since suspended participation in the CSTO and expanded defense cooperation with countries including India and France.
At the same time, Armenia has sought closer ties with the European Union. Last year, Armenia’s parliament adopted a law declaring the country’s intention to pursue EU membership, though Armenian officials have repeatedly said the country intends to remain in the EEU for the foreseeable future.
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