Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since the June parliamentary elections. The parties discussed bilateral relations, economic issues, and the prospects for Armenia’s European integration. This was reported by the Armenian government’s press service. At the same time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the parties allegedly emphasized the need to hold a referendum in Armenia as soon as possible on the country’s integration into the European Union.

According to a statement from the Armenian government, Pashinyan raised the issue of restrictions on the supply of goods of Armenian origin to Russia during the conversation. He stated that such measures contradict the existing legal framework between the two countries and the rules of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and called on Moscow to resolve the situation.

The Kremlin reported that the conversation took place at the initiative of the Armenian prime minister. According to the Russian side, Putin referred to the joint statement by the leaders of the EAEU countries, adopted on May 29 in Astana, and stressed the need to hold a referendum in Armenia to determine the country’s future foreign policy course—whether to move toward the European Union or to maintain membership in the EAEU.

Pashinyan noted that holding such a referendum will only be possible after Armenia officially submits its application for membership in the European Union, which will make this issue subject to practical consideration.

The prime minister also assured that the Armenian government is ready to resolve all contentious issues with Russia through open, constructive, and friendly dialogue.

The results of the parliamentary elections in Armenia, held on June 7, have effectively determined the country’s foreign policy course and the prospects for its relations with Moscow, the EU, and the U.S. At the same time, Russia is doing everything in its power to halt Yerevan’s rapprochement with the West.

• In the June elections in Armenia , the party received the most support “Civic Contract,” led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, which received 49.7% of the vote.
• Prior to the elections, Russia imposed a series of trade restrictions against Armenia. However, in mid-June, the European Union provided Armenia with 34 million euros to mitigate the impact of these Russian restrictions on the private sector.