Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected Russian president Vladimir Putin’s suggestion of a “gentle, intelligent, and mutually beneficial divorce.”
Speaking at a press briefing, Pashinyan dismissed the notion that Armenia must choose between closer ties with the European Union and its membership in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). He stressed that Armenia’s foreign policy is guided by “interstate logic,” not framed as a “marriage” requiring separation. While reaffirming Armenia’s commitment to the EAEU, he underlined that there is currently no objective need for a referendum on shifting alliances.
Putin had earlier suggested that Armenia should hold such a vote to determine whether it would align more closely with the EU or remain within Moscow’s economic orbit, warning that Russia would draw conclusions based on the outcome.
Despite the growing strain, Pashinyan reiterated his government’s commitment to a “balanced foreign policy,” insisting that Armenia does not intend to harm Russian interests. At the same time, he confirmed that Yerevan would continue deepening ties with the EU, particularly through democratic reforms.
The latest exchange follows months of escalating friction. In April, Armenia signaled it could reconsider its membership in Russian-led blocs such as the EAEU and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), after Moscow warned against closer cooperation with the EU and the United States.
