Kremlin flags absence of date for Armenia's EU referendum

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not specify a timeframe for holding a referendum on Armenia's accession to the European Union during his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a press briefing.

"No, no specific timeframe was given," Peskov said in response to a reporter's question. "However, the need to hold such a referendum as soon as possible was emphasised. This is very important."

Peskov also commented on Putin's recent phone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, adding that the Russian leader is scheduled to hold another international phone call. He did not disclose any details.

The Kremlin spokesman also noted that Washington has not requested a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Putin.

Turning to the conflict in Ukraine, Peskov said the United States has not withdrawn from efforts to resolve the crisis, but its attention has shifted to more pressing issues.

"The Americans have not abandoned the Ukraine track. They simply have much higher-priority issues that need to be addressed," the spokesperson stressed.

He added that working-level contacts between Russia and the United States on Ukraine are continuing.

By Jeyhun Aghazada