The adoption of a law on the beginning of the procedure for Armenia`s accession to another economic organization essentially means an announcement of withdrawal from the current one - Putin to Pashinyan

ArmInfo. The adoption of a law initiating Armenia's accession process to another economic organization effectively means an announcement of its withdrawal from the current one. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this in Bishkek during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, commenting on Armenia's aspirations to join the EU.

"Because being in both is incompatible. That's the whole problem," the Russian leader emphasized.

At the same time, he noted that choosing an economic course is the legitimate right of the country and the people of Armenia. "Armenia is a sovereign state, and the Armenian people are free to determine the vector of its development. But this creates difficulties, undoubtedly caused, among other things, by being part of the EAEU, the nullification of the republic's advantages in the EAEU market, and the disruption of established trade chains," the Russian leader said. He reminded Nikol Pashinyan that Armenia's GDP has tripled since joining the EAEU, reaching $10.6 billion in 2015 and $29.2 billion in 2025, while exports to the Union have increased tenfold.

Putin emphasized that Russia will respect any choice the Armenian people make. However, he noted that Russia must also adjust its trade and economic policies in light of these possible decisions. In this vein, Putin asked Pashinyan to make a decision as soon as possible. "The sooner we decide, the better, because we also need to understand how best to develop relations with Armenia, primarily in economic terms. Some issues related to agricultural regulation, technical norms, and standards are completely at odds with the EU," the Russian president said.

Responding to the Armenian prime minister's comment that the time was not yet ripe for a concrete choice and that an alternative had not yet been created that would allow for a decision on whether to hold a referendum or not, Putin emphasized that the people's choice is always important. "So make it and we'll close the issue," he concluded.

During the meeting, Pashinyan confirmed that Armenia is interested in further deepening relations with the Russian Federation. He also expressed the opinion that, given changes in the region, including the establishment of peace, bilateral relations need to be looked at with a fresh eye, which will contribute to their development and deepening.

Speaking about a possible withdrawal from the EAEU, Pashinyan noted that the Armenian side has analyzed the existing treaty framework between Russia and Armenia, as well as the treaty framework within the EAEU. And, frankly speaking, we have not found any violations of Armenia's obligations to Russia and the EAEU, because the EAEU Treaty clearly states how to proceed if a country decides to withdraw from the EAEU. Incidentally, there is no provision there that allows a member state to be suspended from the organization; that is, it stipulates that if a country decides to withdraw from the EAEU, it must inform its partners six months in advance. I think we should look at this situation from this perspective. We haven't yet informed our partners that we intend to leave the EAEU, and I think we should rely on this fact, because the referendum on this issue has been discussed extensively," the Armenian Prime Minister explained.

The head of government noted that in the current international situation, having an alternative is considered a legitimate goal for any country. At the same time, Pashinyan emphasized that this process is not directed against Russia or the EAEU. "Because we highly value our relations with the Russian Federation. This is indeed true. You have already mentioned how important they are for us, for our country. We hope that these relations are important for the Russian Federation as well." "I think we—both Armenia and Russia, and we personally—must treat these relations very carefully, and I want to confirm that I personally and our government treat them very carefully, and I am sure that you too treat them carefully, and I want to thank you for that," he said.

It should be noted that, according to the Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, foreign trade turnover between Armenia and Russia in January-June 2026 amounted to... decreased by 20.9%, amounting to $2.6 billion. Exports decreased by 4.2% to $1.2 billion, while imports decreased by 31.4% to $1.4 billion.

Armenia's mutual trade with the EAEU decreased by 19% during the same period, amounting to $2.8 billion. Exports decreased by 4.2% to $1.3 billion, while imports fell by 28.2% to $1.5 billion.

Meanwhile, trade turnover with the EU increased by 46.2% to $1.7 billion. Exports increased by 80.2%, amounting to $516.5 million, while imports grew by 35% to $1.2 billion.