Russia's Duma speaker warns Armenia-EU rapprochement could split society

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union could lead to deep divisions within Armenian society, according to Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the Russian State Duma.

In comments posted on his Telegram channel, Volodin warned that closer integration with the EU risked undermining national unity in Armenia, Caliber.Az reports. 

“All this leads to a split in society. And, perhaps, this is the greatest loss that is possible in Armenia — the loss of unity,” he wrote.

Volodin drew parallels with political developments in Ukraine in 2014 and cited the Baltic states as examples of countries that pursued EU integration.

“This is how major problems began in many countries. And here, once again, a parallel with Ukraine and the events that took place there in 2014 inevitably comes to mind. One might also recall the Baltic states, which sought to become part of the European Union but, as time has shown, did not become any happier as a result,” he added.

He also claimed that Armenia’s shifting foreign policy orientation has already had economic consequences, alleging that trade with Russia fell by 45.4% in 2025 and that Russian businesses in Armenia are scaling back operations due to uncertainty.

According to Volodin, a potential withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) could cost Armenia 15–20% of GDP, or at least $5 billion, though he did not provide independent verification for these figures.

“The losses will be greater. And by no means all of them relate to finances. We are already seeing attempts to rewrite history and undermine national and traditional foundations. Western liberal values are being imposed on the Armenian people, and there is persecution of the church,” he said.

Volodin emphasised that Armenia’s geopolitical direction should reflect the will of its people.

“Choosing a path is, first and foremost, a choice based on the will of the people. Whatever position a politician holds, they must be guided by this,” he added.

By Sabina Mammadli