Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk has again urged Armenia to decide as soon as possible between the European Union and its current membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

According to the TASS news agency, Overchuk stated that, considering the statements and the law adopted by the Armenian parliament on starting the process of EU accession, it is reasonable for Armenia to decide whether it stays within the Eurasian Economic Union or leaves to pursue European Union membership.

“No one is expelling Armenia from the Eurasian Economic Union; they have simply said that they want to join the European Union. A decision needs to be made. The sooner this happens, the better it will be for everyone,” Overchuk said.

He also stated that Armenia, as an ally of Russia, enjoys certain advantages in terms of energy resource prices. He noted that these issues should be discussed in a civilized manner if Armenia decides to leave the Eurasian Economic Union.

However, he added that no one wants Armenia to leave the EAEU. “You know, the situation is quite unusual, because no one wants Armenia to leave the EAEU. The Armenian leadership has also stated that it does not wish to leave the EAEU,” he said.

Speaking about the EAEU summit in Kazakhstan on May 28, which Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will not attend, Overchuk said that by this decision, the Prime Minister has “demonstrated his priorities.”

However, Pashinyan earlier explained that he informed Russia and other colleagues that his decision to skip the summit is due to the ongoing election campaign period in Armenia.

Pashinyan has repeatedly said that there is no need to make a choice at this moment, as he sees no contradiction yet.