Putin: Armenia needs to decide on EU or EAEU membership "for a mutually beneficial divorce"
11.05.2026,
08:03
Armenia's plans to join the European Union require special consideration, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated
YEREVAN, May 11. /ARKA/. Armenia's plans to join the European Union require special consideration, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated
"We will support everything that benefits the Armenian people. We have had a special relationship with the Armenian people for centuries. If a particular decision benefits the Armenian people, please, we will not oppose it," he said, answering journalists' questions.
At the same time, the Russian leader emphasized the need to keep several important circumstances in mind.
"For example, our trade turnover with Armenia has decreased now; last year, it was much higher the year before, but it will still be $7 billion by 2025. Considering that the country's GDP is $29 billion, this is a significant figure. And Armenia receives significant advantages within the Eurasian Economic Union." "This concerns agriculture, this concerns the processing industry, this concerns customs and other duties, and so on and so forth. This concerns the migration sphere," he said.
Putin noted that it would be right to determine the relationship between both Armenian citizens and Russia, as the main economic partner, as soon as possible.
"For example, holding a referendum. It's not our business, but, in principle, it would be quite logical to hold a referendum and ask Armenian citizens what their choice would be in accordance with this, and we would draw the appropriate conclusions and pursue a gentle, intelligent, and mutually beneficial divorce," the Russian president said.
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 is about 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 Eurasian Economic Union (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."
"We will support everything that benefits the Armenian people. We have had a special relationship with the Armenian people for centuries. If a particular decision benefits the Armenian people, please, we will not oppose it," he said, answering journalists' questions.
At the same time, the Russian leader emphasized the need to keep several important circumstances in mind.
"For example, our trade turnover with Armenia has decreased now; last year, it was much higher the year before, but it will still be $7 billion by 2025. Considering that the country's GDP is $29 billion, this is a significant figure. And Armenia receives significant advantages within the Eurasian Economic Union." "This concerns agriculture, this concerns the processing industry, this concerns customs and other duties, and so on and so forth. This concerns the migration sphere," he said.
Putin noted that it would be right to determine the relationship between both Armenian citizens and Russia, as the main economic partner, as soon as possible.
"For example, holding a referendum. It's not our business, but, in principle, it would be quite logical to hold a referendum and ask Armenian citizens what their choice would be in accordance with this, and we would draw the appropriate conclusions and pursue a gentle, intelligent, and mutually beneficial divorce," the Russian president said.
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 is about 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 Eurasian Economic Union (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."
