Putin Warns Armenia Must Decide Quickly on EU Membership

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that it would be in the interest of both Armenian citizens and Russia, as Armenia’s main economic partner, for Yerevan to make a decision as quickly as possible regarding potential membership in the European Union.

Putin made the remarks during a question-and-answer session with journalists.

According to the Russian president, Armenia receives significant benefits from membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, customs duties, migration, and other sectors.

“We must take into account certain circumstances that are important both for us and for our partners. For example, although our trade turnover with Armenia declined last year, it still amounted to $7 billion. Considering that the country’s GDP is $29 billion, this is a significant figure,” Putin said.

Putin argued that it would be best for both Armenia’s citizens and Russia as Armenia’s primary economic partner if a decision regarding EU membership were made as soon as possible.

“It is not our business, but in principle it would be completely logical to hold a referendum and understand what choice Armenian citizens make. We would draw the appropriate conclusions and seek a soft, intelligent, and mutually beneficial separation. After all, we are now witnessing what is happening in Ukraine. But how did it all begin? With Ukraine’s EU membership or attempts at membership. That was the first stage — simply the first stage,” Putin stated.

He emphasized that Russia would support any decisions that are beneficial to the Armenian people.

“We have had special relations with the Armenian people for centuries, and if any decision benefits the Armenian people, we will not oppose it,” the Russian president said.