Astana (TDI): Armenia has come under renewed political pressure from Russia and its allies over its long-term foreign policy direction, with President Vladimir Putin and several Eurasian partners urging Yerevan to quickly decide whether it intends to pursue European Union membership or remain within Russia-led structures.
Speaking at a summit in Astana, Putin said Armenia should hold a referendum on EU membership “as soon as possible,” arguing that it is not possible for the country to simultaneously align with both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union.
The statement was supported by Russia’s close allies Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, who jointly warned that Armenia’s deepening engagement with the EU could pose “significant risks” to the economies of member states in the Eurasian bloc.
Armenia is formally part of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union but has steadily expanded ties with the European Union in recent years, particularly after tensions increased with Moscow over security guarantees in the South Caucasus.
Under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia has adopted a foreign policy of diversification, seeking to balance relations between Russia and Western institutions while reducing overdependence on any single power.
The shift has been driven in part by frustration in Yerevan over what it views as limited Russian support during its conflicts with neighboring Azerbaijan, prompting a gradual rethinking of its traditional security alignment.
Moscow, however, continues to view Armenia as a key partner in its regional economic and security architecture, warning that a move toward EU integration could force structural and political contradictions within existing agreements.
Despite the growing diplomatic pressure, Armenian officials have not yet issued a formal response to the latest remarks, while maintaining that their foreign policy decisions will be based on national interest and long-term stability.
The debate reflects broader geopolitical competition in the post-Soviet space, where several countries are increasingly navigating between Western integration and continued participation in Russia-led economic and security frameworks.
—
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Nahapetian Zhanna. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2026/05/31/putin-urges-armenia-to-hold-early-referendum-on-eu-membership/