VyacheslavVolodin accuses Armenia of pursuing deceitful policy and  deceiving its EAEU partners

ArmInfo.  Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin accused Armenia of pursuing a deceitful  policy and deceiving its Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) partners.

"I wish Armenia wouldn't pursue a deceitful policy, because if  Armenia adopts a law on its intention to join the European Union,  then why are you using the EAEU's opportunities? Why are you  deceiving its members? It's cynical, it's wrong. Just say it! Are you  joining the EU? Go ahead! But then you shouldn't receive preferential  treatment here," Vyacheslav Volodin said in an interview with the  Russia 24 television channel.

On May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking to journalists,  suggested that Armenia decide on its membership in the EU and the  EAEU as soon as possible, expressing its readiness to "begin a  civilized divorce" if necessary. Yerevan responded by stating that it  would leave the EAEU whenever it deemed it necessary. On May 29, the  heads of four of the five EAEU countries adopted a resolution  recommending that Armenia hold a referendum on its continued  membership in the EAEU. That same day, the Russian president stated  that Armenia could not afford to sit on both sides and needed to make  a choice as soon as possible.

And on August 24, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced  from the parliamentary rostrum that the country intended to apply for  EU membership in the near future. He also expressed his belief that  the country should hold a referendum on its membership in the EU or  the EAEU only after applying for EU membership and receiving a  response.

On January 9, 2025, the Armenian government approved a draft law on  the initiation of the process of joining the European Union, proposed  by the "Eurakve" civic initiative. The draft was submitted to the  Armenian parliament for approval. On March 26, the parliament adopted  it in its final reading and sent it to the president for signature.  The document was signed on April 4 of that year. Moscow stated that  Russia had conveyed to Armenia that simultaneous membership in the  Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union was impossible.