Putin Warns Of EAEU Exit Costs For Armenia

Russian President Vladimir Putin, following the conclusion of his visit to Kazakhstan, commented on the possible consequences for Armenia of leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

He warned that, if Armenia exits the EAEU, Yerevan would lose access to the existing free-trade agreements, RIA Novosti reported.

“We would be forced, in general, to discontinue almost all of our work with Armenia related to economic cooperation within the framework of integration processes,” he said.

Putin noted that Armenia would also face stricter requirements for road freight carriers, while migrants would have to obtain the appropriate work permits in order to work in Russia. In addition, Moscow would raise fuel and energy resource prices for Yerevan, which, according to his assessment, could cost the country 14 percent of its GDP.

“Lower energy prices: in Europe they are 600 euros, while here they are just over 150. These are incomparable figures. Everyone always talks about ‘energy resources’; that is important, but it is not the only advantage, not the only positive aspect,” he said.

Putin also recalled that the share of Russian capital in investments in Armenia has exceeded 86 percent.

“After the meeting in Yerevan, our European partners promised to invest €2.5 billion. How they will invest it and when they will invest it remains to be seen,” he added.

The president called for a referendum to be held as soon as possible to determine whether Armenia’s future lies in the EAEU or in the European Union. At the same time, he said that Yerevan’s economic decisions aimed at closer ties with the EU would not harm humanitarian relations with Russia, according to TASS.

“We would ask our Armenian partners and friends. Prime Minister Pashinyan himself has said that he plans, and considers it appropriate, to hold a referendum on where Armenia should be — in the Eurasian Economic Union or in the European Union. We would ask that this be done as soon as possible,” Putin said.

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov described the situation surrounding Armenia’s membership in the EAEU and its plans to join the European Union as unprecedented.

Peskov recalled that Armenia had declared its orientation toward EU membership and adopted the relevant law. However, he said that EU membership is, from a regulatory standpoint, incompatible with EAEU membership, creating risks for integration processes.

“The situation is indeed unprecedented. Armenia says there will be a referendum on this issue, yet on the other hand, the law was adopted without a referendum. There are many contradictions in this situation. But every country has the sovereign right to choose, and everyone respects Armenia’s right to do so. However, this cannot be carried out at the expense of other states because EAEU membership nevertheless provides very significant advantages to participating countries,” Peskov said.

In the spring of 2025, Armenia adopted a law concerning the republic’s intention to join the European Union, although the EU itself has not offered the country membership. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Yerevan understands the incompatibility of simultaneously being a member of both the EU and the EAEU. At the same time, the country will continue coordinating its agenda with both organizations for as long as that remains possible.

Putin said Armenia should clarify its choice as soon as possible regarding participation in either the EU or the EAEU, after which it would be possible to proceed through a “soft and civilized separation.” Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said the situation surrounding Armenia was discussed at the EAEU summit in Astana, where the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan adopted a statement concerning the republic.