Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that Armenia must decide by December on holding a referendum regarding the choice between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union.
According to the Russian Deputy Minister, if Yerevan does not decide on the referendum, the EAEU leaders will take this into account in December when developing further joint actions regarding Armenia. They should also be provided with an assessment of the possible consequences of the country’s withdrawal from the EAEU.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan previously stated that there is no point in holding a referendum before the country receives candidate status for EU membership. In his opinion, Armenian citizens should choose between the EAEU and a real alternative, and until candidate status is obtained, there is no such alternative.
The Russian side proposes to put the question before Armenian voters now — are they ready to give up EAEU membership for the prospect of joining the EU in the future.
At the same time, Moscow demands that Yerevan resume funding the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Galuzin stated that Armenia’s refusal to participate in the CSTO’s work and sign the organization’s decisions does not exempt it from the obligation to pay membership fees.
The Russian diplomat also warned that the CSTO Collective Security Council could limit Armenia’s powers. The relevant issue is planned for consideration on November 11 in Moscow. Possible measures include depriving Armenia of its voting rights and the ability to nominate its representatives to quota positions in the organization.
Armenia effectively froze its participation in the CSTO back in February 2024. In May of the same year, Yerevan refused to fund the organization’s work, arguing that the CSTO did not provide Armenia with the necessary assistance during the conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.
In 2026, Moscow has repeatedly stated the possibility of punishing Armenia for its debt to the CSTO. In June, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the organization’s member countries could use the relevant provisions of its statute.
Relations between Moscow and Yerevan have recently significantly deteriorated against the backdrop of Armenia’s reorientation towards Europe. Pashinyan is increasingly openly advocating for closer ties with the EU and is critical of Russia. In May, he did not go to Moscow for the May 9 parade and stated that Armenia does not support Russia in the war against Ukraine.
In response, Russian authorities began to impose restrictions on the supply of some Armenian goods. Vladimir Putin also called on Armenia to decide on its foreign policy course through a referendum and warned Yerevan about the possible consequences of rapprochement with the European Union, citing the example of Ukraine.
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