Armenian Prime Minister Comments on Russian President's Remarks on Compatibility of Participation in the EAEU and EU
11.05.2026,
16:08
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent statement that Armenia should decide as soon as possible whether to join the EU or the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) "for an intelligent divorce."
YEREVAN, May 11. /ARKA/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent statement that Armenia should decide as soon as possible whether to join the EU or the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) "for an intelligent divorce."
At a briefing on Monday, Pashinyan stated that he disagrees with the term "divorce."
"I have spoken out on this issue repeatedly. We have held working discussions on this with the Russian President. I have publicly stated that until there is no need to choose—de jure and de facto—we will not put such an issue on the agenda. I disagree with the term "divorce" because sometimes we confuse interstate relations with marriage," Pashinyan noted.
According to him, Armenia is guided by interstate logic in its interstate relations.
"We are a full member of the EAEU, just like other members. And as long as we are a member of the EAEU, we fully participate in all decision-making. Until the need arises, we do not intend to put this issue to a referendum. We respect our partners in the EAEU and our participation in the EAEU. This entire policy is transparent, public, and there is no hidden conspiracy," Pashinyan said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Armenia has adopted a course toward a balanced foreign policy, one of the key principles of which is that relations between Armenia and Russia are based on respect and recognition of mutual interests.
"We have not, do not, and will not have any goal of harming Russia's interests. We will continue to be guided by Armenia's state interests, developing and deepening relations with Russia, recognizing that a transformation in these relations is inevitable. This is not a matter of political taste, as there may be comments that this is related to my personality or my political team. This is a process stemming from objective reality, and I positively assess the transformation of our relations,” Pashinyan noted.
He said that there are certain questions, discomfort, and nuances that require clarification.
“We must work calmly on these issues, without unnecessary tension and aggravation, and we will continue to do so. We will also deepen relations with the EU in accordance with the EU membership law and continue democratic reforms,” Pashinyan concluded.
Armenia-EU: Key Points
On March 26, 2025, the Armenian parliament approved the law on the country's accession to the European Union. On April 4, the president signed the document.
On December 2, 2025, in Brussels, the parties approved the strategic agenda for the Armenia-EU partnership. Yerevan stated that this agenda focuses on supporting the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, democratic reforms, and economic sustainability.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia is moving toward EU standards while maintaining its membership in the EAEU. He stated that if combining both approaches becomes impossible, the next choice will be made together with the country's citizens.
On May 4, 2026, the European Political Community Summit was held in Yerevan. Representatives from EU countries, other European countries, and international organizations participated. The main theme of the summit was "Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe."
At a briefing on Monday, Pashinyan stated that he disagrees with the term "divorce."
"I have spoken out on this issue repeatedly. We have held working discussions on this with the Russian President. I have publicly stated that until there is no need to choose—de jure and de facto—we will not put such an issue on the agenda. I disagree with the term "divorce" because sometimes we confuse interstate relations with marriage," Pashinyan noted.
According to him, Armenia is guided by interstate logic in its interstate relations.
"We are a full member of the EAEU, just like other members. And as long as we are a member of the EAEU, we fully participate in all decision-making. Until the need arises, we do not intend to put this issue to a referendum. We respect our partners in the EAEU and our participation in the EAEU. This entire policy is transparent, public, and there is no hidden conspiracy," Pashinyan said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Armenia has adopted a course toward a balanced foreign policy, one of the key principles of which is that relations between Armenia and Russia are based on respect and recognition of mutual interests.
"We have not, do not, and will not have any goal of harming Russia's interests. We will continue to be guided by Armenia's state interests, developing and deepening relations with Russia, recognizing that a transformation in these relations is inevitable. This is not a matter of political taste, as there may be comments that this is related to my personality or my political team. This is a process stemming from objective reality, and I positively assess the transformation of our relations,” Pashinyan noted.
He said that there are certain questions, discomfort, and nuances that require clarification.
“We must work calmly on these issues, without unnecessary tension and aggravation, and we will continue to do so. We will also deepen relations with the EU in accordance with the EU membership law and continue democratic reforms,” Pashinyan concluded.
Armenia-EU: Key Points
On March 26, 2025, the Armenian parliament approved the law on the country's accession to the European Union. On April 4, the president signed the document.
On December 2, 2025, in Brussels, the parties approved the strategic agenda for the Armenia-EU partnership. Yerevan stated that this agenda focuses on supporting the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, democratic reforms, and economic sustainability.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia is moving toward EU standards while maintaining its membership in the EAEU. He stated that if combining both approaches becomes impossible, the next choice will be made together with the country's citizens.
On May 4, 2026, the European Political Community Summit was held in Yerevan. Representatives from EU countries, other European countries, and international organizations participated. The main theme of the summit was "Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe."
