Russia, Armenia set to discuss new trade opportunities – Moscow

Russian and Armenian authorities will work on trade and economic cooperation issues following a meeting between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

“During the meeting with the Armenian prime minister, some specific issues related to bilateral trade and economic cooperation were outlined,” Peskov said.

He also noted that the main topics of the upcoming high-level Russian-Armenian talks in Moscow will be determining Armenia’s future development and orientation, as well as holding a referendum on the matter.

“The exact dates of the Armenian prime minister’s visit to Russia will be agreed through diplomatic channels, taking into account the working schedules of the heads of state,” Peskov added.

The planned talks come amid strained relations between Moscow and Yerevan, with trade and economic ties increasingly affected by Armenia’s pivot toward the West. Yerevan’s moves toward EU integration, including legislation advancing its EU accession aspirations, have raised concerns in Moscow, which views EU integration as incompatible with continued membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) due to conflicting customs, technical, and regulatory standards.

Armenia froze its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in 2024 and has since stepped up efforts toward closer integration with the EU. In response, Russia has introduced import restrictions on Armenian goods, warned of an end to preferential gas pricing, and pressed Yerevan over its future membership in the EAEU.

The dispute has also taken on a political dimension, particularly around Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections, with Moscow criticising the election outcome while continuing economic pressure as Yerevan pursues its Western-oriented course.

By Jeyhun Aghazada