Putin to Meet Pashinyan in Bishkek on September 1

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek on September 1, where the two leaders are expected to discuss Armenia’s aspirations to join the European Union, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said.

“There will be a conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Our leaders have already been in contact since the elections in Armenia. It is fairly clear what they will discuss,” Russian media quoted Ushakov as saying.

Ushakov reiterated Moscow’s position that Armenia cannot pursue EU membership while continuing to benefit extensively from cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union.

“We continue to maintain that Armenia cannot seek membership in the European Union while at the same time receiving significant benefits from cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union. This issue will have to be resolved somehow. The president and the prime minister will undoubtedly discuss it,” he said.

Ushakov also said the Kremlin is concerned about what he described as the mass arrests of opposition figures in Armenia who favor closer relations with Russia.

“The conversation will take place against the unusual backdrop of mass arrests of opposition leaders in Armenia,” Ushakov said, adding that he was referring to political figures who have supported the strengthening of traditionally close relations between Russia and Armenia.

“This issue will undoubtedly be discussed. And, of course, these actions by the Armenian leadership are a matter of concern for us,” he added.

Putin has previously stated that membership in both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union’s customs framework is not possible simultaneously. Moscow has argued that Armenia should hold a referendum to choose between closer integration with the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union.

Earlier this week, Pashinyan told Armenia’s National Assembly that Yerevan would soon begin the process of applying for membership in the European Union.