During a press conference on May 9, Putin said that Armenia’s intentions to join the European Union require “special consideration.” He claims that Russia will support everything that will be beneficial for the Armenian people. Putin’s statements are quoted by the TASS news agency.
At the same time, he believes that Armenia should hold a referendum on participation in the European Union or the Eurasian Economic Union. According to Putin, Armenia receives significant benefits within the EAEU. Separately, he stated that Yerevan should “determine as early as possible” the issue of participation in the EU or the EAEU, in which case “a path of intelligent “divorce with the Russian Federation” is possible.”
At the same time, the Kremlin clavier claims that such a political course could lead to a scenario similar to the events in Ukraine in 2014, meaning the Russian armed invasion:
“We are now experiencing everything that is happening in the Ukrainian direction. And where did it start? With Ukraine’s accession or attempt to join the EU. All this later led to “the coup, the Crimean history, the position of southeastern Ukraine and hostilities.”
According to Putin, Armenia should take into account Moscow’s position on issues of European integration. That is why he called it advisable to hold a referendum. He also stated that such a decision would be right both for the citizens of Armenia and for Russia, which he called “the main economic partner”.
“In my opinion, it would be right both for the population, the citizens of Armenia, and for us, as the main economic partner, to decide as early as possible, for example, by holding a referendum,” Putin said.
He added that this was supposedly “not our business,” but, in his opinion, it would be logical to hold a referendum and ask the citizens of Armenia about their choice.
“Accordingly, we would draw the appropriate conclusions and follow the path of a soft, intelligent and mutually beneficial divorce,” – Putin emphasized.
Recently, Armenia officially confirmed that it is not an ally of Russia in the war against Ukraine, but continues to provide humanitarian aid to Kiev.
It was also previously reported that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during a meeting with Putin, emphasized the achievements of Armenian democracy. In particular, he emphasized that there are no political prisoners in Armenia, and social networks remain completely free.
