IRIA News

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Russia’s President Vladimir Putin issued a blunt warning to Armenia during a rare and tense public exchange at the Kremlin, telling Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that Yerevan cannot simultaneously pursue integration with both the European Union and a Moscow-led economic bloc.

The unusually direct remarks highlight growing tensions between the two traditional allies, as Armenia increasingly signals a shift toward Western institutions.

Speaking at the start of the meeting in Moscow, Putin acknowledged Armenia’s discussions with the EU but made clear that there are limits.

“We see that there is a discussion in Armenia about developing relations with the European Union,” Putin said, adding that Moscow treats it “absolutely calmly”.

“But it should be obvious and honestly stated upfront that membership in a customs union with both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union is impossible,” he added.

The Eurasian Economic Union, led by Russia and established in 2015, includes Armenia along with Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It is designed to allow the free movement of goods, capital, and labor among member states.

Putin stressed that regulatory differences between the EU and the Eurasian bloc make dual alignment unworkable in practice.

During the meeting, Putin also pointed to energy pricing as a key factor in Armenia’s strategic calculations, drawing attention to Russia’s role as a major supplier.

“Gas prices in Europe exceed 600 dollars per 1,000 cubic meters, whereas Russia provides gas to Armenia at 177.5 dollars per 1,000 cubic meters,” he said. “The disparity is vast, the difference is substantial.” The comparison appeared to underline the economic costs Armenia could face if it distances itself from Moscow.

Armenia Signals Strategic Balancing

Pashinyan responded cautiously but firmly, acknowledging the structural limitations of aligning with both blocs while defending Armenia’s current approach.

He said that while Armenia understands it cannot be a member of both systems, it intends to maintain its position in the Eurasian Economic Union while expanding cooperation with the EU.

“And when the processes reach the point where it will be necessary to make a decision, I am sure that we, I mean the citizens of the Republic of Armenia, will make that decision,” Pashinyan said.

He emphasized that any long-term geopolitical choice would be made democratically and without external interference.

Armenia Highlighted Democracy and Political System

In a notable part of the exchange, Pashinyan underscored Armenia’s democratic system, drawing implicit contrasts with Russia. “Armenia is a democratic country,” he said, adding that political processes are continuous and competitive.

“In fact, twice a year we hold municipal elections, which are also very politicised.” He also pointed to differences in media and political freedoms. “Our social networks, for example, are 100% free, with no restrictions at all,” he said.

Pashinyan further stated that there are no political prisoners in Armenia, adding: “In the general context, to be honest, we do not have participants in political processes in places of detention.”

“We have citizens who think that there is too much democracy in Armenia. But this is a matter of principle for us,” he added.

Dispute Over Political Participation

Putin raised concerns about the treatment of pro-Russian figures in Armenia ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for June. “Some are in detention despite having Russian passports,” he said, in an apparent reference to businessman Samvel Karapetyan.

Pashinyan responded by pointing to Armenia’s legal framework, which restricts political participation to citizens holding only Armenian nationality.

“Persons with Russian passports, according to the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, cannot be either a candidate for deputy or a candidate for prime minister,” he said.

He added that no restrictions are being imposed beyond those constitutional requirements.

Relations Strained After Karabakh Conflict

The exchange comes against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Moscow and Yerevan following the 2023 conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

After Azerbaijan fully reclaimed the region, Armenia accused Russia of failing to uphold its security commitments under the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

In 2024, Armenia suspended its participation in the alliance, citing dissatisfaction with its response during the 2022 escalation.

“In my opinion, the CSTO mechanisms should have been activated,” Pashinyan said. “They were not activated.” “We are still unable to explain to our people why the CSTO did not respond,” he added.

Putin rejected the criticism, arguing that Armenia’s earlier recognition of Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan made intervention inappropriate.

“It is obvious that after you accepted in Prague in 2022 that Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan, the CSTO’s intervention was simply absolutely wrong,” he said.

Shifting Regional Dynamics

Armenia’s foreign policy has been undergoing a gradual transformation following a U.S.-brokered peace agreement with Azerbaijan that ended decades of conflict.

Yerevan has since signaled a desire to strengthen ties with both the EU and the United States, while reducing its reliance on Russia.

At the same time, Moscow’s influence in the South Caucasus appears to be declining, with both Armenia and Azerbaijan increasingly pursuing more independent and diversified foreign policies.

Russia has also played a limited role in the post-conflict peace process, further contributing to perceptions of a shifting regional balance.

Uncertain Strategic Future

Despite the tensions, both sides indicated a willingness to maintain dialogue and cooperation. Putin suggested that the focus should now be on strengthening bilateral relations, while acknowledging existing disagreements.

“Here we simply need to look for ways to further strengthen relations,” he said. For Armenia, the challenge remains balancing its historical ties with Russia against its growing interest in Western integration.