Kremlin issues stark warning over Armenia’s EU bid

The Kremlin has warned Armenia that pursuing membership in the European Union could create legal conflicts with its commitments to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), while saying Yerevan is free to leave the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) if it no longer sees membership as necessary.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the remarks while addressing a range of issues, including Armenia’s foreign policy and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Peskov said Armenia’s EU membership bid could leave it facing “deep legislative contradictions within the EAEU that will harm Yerevan itself.” He pointed to the experience of Türkiye and other countries, noting that decades had passed since some of them applied for EU membership.

At the same time, Peskov said Moscow would not prevent Armenia from leaving the CSTO.

“If Armenia no longer needs membership in the CSTO, Yerevan is free to make the appropriate decision and leave the organization,” he said.

His comments came after Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told the National Assembly that he “would be pleased if the CSTO expelled Armenia from the organization.” Armenia froze its participation in the CSTO in 2024.

Peskov also accused Britain of directly supporting Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. Commenting on London’s reported plans to provide Kyiv with data for producing long-range SCALP missiles in Ukraine, he said the Kremlin viewed the move extremely negatively.

“Britain is participating in this war, systematically and regularly adding fuel to the fire of the Ukrainian conflict,” Peskov said.

He also addressed Ukrainian strikes on Ozon warehouses, saying: “Kyiv, which opened Pandora’s box, is feeling the consequences of its actions every night and will continue to do so.”

Meanwhile, Peskov said the Russian government was closely monitoring the situation surrounding online marketplaces amid the strikes and was developing various options to provide support.

By Vafa Guliyeva