Russia hopes to believe that Armenia's citizens will assess the danger of the European integration adventure — Foreign Ministry

The decision on Armenia's further development vector remains with the country's citizens, said Vladislav Maslennikov, director of the European Affairs Department of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In an interview with RIA Novosti, he expressed hope that Armenian society would be able to objectively assess the possible risks of rapprochement with the European Union.

"The final choice of the country's development vector in any case remains with the citizens of Armenia. In this connection, one would like to believe that they will be able to objectively assess the danger of that 'European integration' adventure into which they are now being drawn," Maslennikov said.

How did Armenia put itself before a choice between the EAEU and the EU?

In March 2025, the parliament of Armenia, which is a member of the EAEU, adopted a law on launching the process of the country's accession to the European Union. In April of the same year, it was approved by the republic's president, Vahagn Khachaturyan.

On May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at a press conference that Yerevan should decide as soon as possible on the question of participation in the EU or the EAEU, allowing for the possibility of an "intelligent divorce." According to him, a referendum could be held on this issue.

In turn, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told journalists on May 11 that Armenia remains a full-fledged member of the EAEU, and that holding a referendum is possible only if an "objective necessity" arises.

After that, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk stated that some work is underway in Armenia on transitioning to EU standards, and that if the country begins to amend technical regulations, then "this will already create certain threats to the EAEU."

At the EAEU summit held on May 29, 2026, in Astana, the leaders of the member states of this association issued a joint statement which, in particular, spoke of the need to hold a referendum in Armenia as soon as possible on joining the EU or remaining in the EAEU. Following the EAEU summit in Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Armenia could lose 14% of its GDP if it withdraws from the EAEU.

According to statistical data, Armenia will lose almost 40% of its trade turnover in the event of withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union.

Source: Sputnik Armenia