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Russia has reiterated its concern over Armenia's rapprochement with the European Union, warning that the policy poses serious risks not only for Moscow but for the entire Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Officials in Yerevan, meanwhile, say Armenia is interested in continued dialogue with Russia and does not view its dual-track approach as a problem.

Coverage Comparison

All information in this article comes from TASS, which has reported extensively on the statements of Russian and Armenian officials over the past week. The reports cover a range of perspectives, from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov's comments on Armenia's strategic choice to Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin's warnings about economic risks, as well as Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan's assurances of ongoing dialogue.

Key Claims

Russia's Position on Armenia's Choice

According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Armenia's leadership is "at a crossroads" and faces a choice that will chart the country's course for years to come. Peskov said Russia cares greatly about this choice, given that Russia and Armenia have been "neighboring and fraternal countries for many centuries." He expressed hope that Armenia will ultimately choose the EAEU, as the integration paradigm "surpasses other alternatives in quality."

EAEU Leaders' May 29 Statement

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova cited a joint statement adopted by the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia on May 29 in Astana. According to Zakharova, the statement warns that Yerevan's course towards rapprochement with the EU poses "significant risks for the economic security of the EAEU member states." She said the document highlights the need to prevent damage related to that. The statement also reportedly includes a commitment to present a report on the consequences of suspending the EAEU treaty with regard to Armenia at the December 2026 meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

Zakharova criticized Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for what she called diverting the conversation "into the field of demagoguery" instead of answering the question of Armenia's strategic choice. She questioned how Armenia could pass a law on starting EU accession in 2025, sign joint declarations with the EU in May 2026, and still claim to remain a full EAEU member.

Economic Risks and Incompatibility

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told TASS that not only Russia but also Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan believe Armenia's rapprochement with the EU poses "serious risks to the economic security of the other four members of the Eurasian Economic Union." Galuzin said the two integration associations are "fundamentally incompatible," noting that the EAEU differs "radically, cardinally, and completely from the European Union in its regulatory and legislative framework."

Galuzin emphasized the economic importance of the EAEU for Armenia, noting that Armenian exports to Russia and other EAEU countries account for tens of percent of total exports, and in some categories approach 90-100%. He said the Armenian leadership should explain to its people what preferences would be lost in case of joining the EU.

Referendum Question

Galuzin also commented on the issue of a referendum on Armenia's continued EAEU membership. He noted that the four EAEU leaders had spoken in favor of holding such a referendum in the near future, as Armenian law requires it for accession to supranational integration structures. He expressed confusion about why Yerevan is "in no hurry" to ask residents about their views, suggesting there may be "opportunistic considerations" behind the lack of urgency.

Armenia's Response

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan told reporters that Armenia is interested in dialogue with Russia and expects bilateral contacts soon. In response to questions about how Armenia plans to manage its EAEU membership while pursuing closer EU ties, Safaryan said Yerevan does not view this as a problem. He acknowledged receipt of the EAEU leaders' May 29 statement and said the authorities have considered it, adding that it would be touched upon at upcoming EAEU meetings.

Perspectives

Russian Official Position

Russian officials, including Peskov, Zakharova, and Galuzin, emphasize that Armenia's rapprochement with the EU is incompatible with its EAEU membership and poses economic risks. They urge Yerevan to make a clear choice and express hope that Armenia will remain in the EAEU.

Armenian Official Position

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Safaryan stresses that Armenia is committed to dialogue with Russia and sees no conflict between its EAEU membership and closer ties with the EU. He indicates that the May 29 statement is under consideration and will be addressed at future meetings.