Putin calls on Armenia to clarify EU or EAEU path as soon as possible

Armenia should make a decision as soon as possible regarding its participation in the European Union or the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Russian President Vladimir Putin has said. 

While answering journalists’ questions, Putin added that, accordingly, they would have drawn the appropriate conclusions and followed the path of a “gentle, intelligent and mutually beneficial divorce,” Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“For example, our trade turnover with Armenia has decreased now. Last year and the year before, it was much higher, but still, by the end of 2025, it was $7 billion. If we keep in mind that the country's GDP is $29 billion, then this is a serious amount. Armenia receives substantial benefits within the EAEU. Armenia receives significant advantages within the framework of the EAEU. This applies to agriculture, the processing industry, customs and other fees, and so on. This also applies to the migration sector. And, in my opinion, it would be right, both in relation to the citizens of Armenia and in relation to us as the main economic partner, to decide as early as possible,” Putin said.

He added that a referendum could be an option: “For example, to hold a referendum. It's none of our business, but, in principle, it would be quite logical to ask the citizens of Armenia what their choice would be. And in accordance with this, we would have drawn the appropriate conclusions and followed the path of a gentle, intelligent and mutually beneficial divorce.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada