"Russia will maintain normal relations with Armenia, whatever decision the country makes regarding its future path," Putin said

ArmInfo. Russia will maintain normal relations with Armenia, regardless of the decision the country makes regarding its future path, Putin stated during a meeting with the heads of global news agencies on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Nevertheless, Putin called Armenia's plans for integration into the EU a cause for concern, especially Armenia's decision to legally formalize the start of the European Union accession process. "We, of course, were puzzled by this, if a law has been passed, and it's not just talk, but a law," Putin said.

He emphasized that Armenia is part of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). These involve different standards, as well as technical regulations in the fields of agriculture, transport, and logistics. There are many things that do not coincide. "I would very much like that, in a historical perspective, all these points—which are crucial for economic development—would coincide between the European Union and the EAEU 'from Lisbon to Vladivostok.' But that is impossible; it cannot be done technologically right now," the Russian leader said, stressing that market organization and regulation within the EAEU depend on this.

"Just recently, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that he considers it necessary to hold a referendum on the issue of joining the EU. We have only one request—to do it as quickly as possible. And that's it, we have no grievances, we will maintain normal relations with Armenia, whichever path it decides to follow," Putin said.

He stated that he sees nothing wrong with the political forces backing Pashinyan orienting themselves toward Western standards. "The political forces behind the current Prime Minister have been saying this for a long time, so to speak; they are not shy about it and do it openly. In fact, there is nothing wrong with this, orienting themselves toward certain Western standards, toward European standards," Putin said.

The head of state noted: "I believe that this is the right of every sovereign country, which Armenia undoubtedly is, to choose what they believe to be priority and valuable standards and partners for the country's development, for strengthening its independence and sovereignty, and for the core of its economy."