Putin: Armenia's move closer to the EU will not undermine humanitarian ties with Russia
Russian President Putin stated that any economic decisions made by Armenia to strengthen its relations with the European Union will not damage the humanitarian relationship between Russia and Armenia.
Speaking at a press conference following his visit to Kazakhstan, Putin said: "Regardless of the decision, it will not undermine our humanitarian ties or our political relationship."
In the spring of 2025, Armenia passed legislation declaring its intention to join the European Union. Prime Minister Pashinyan previously stated that the country would not simultaneously be a member of both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Putin told reporters that Armenia must quickly decide whether to join the EU or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union.
"Discussions regarding Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union must be sincere and open," Putin emphasized.
Putin noted that if Armenia shifts toward EU standards, its integration with the Eurasian Economic Union "objectively will have to be limited." He pointed out that once Armenia leaves the Eurasian Economic Union, Armenian citizens would face standard immigration requirements. Armenian road transport companies would encounter stricter regulations, railway transportation costs would rise, and higher energy prices from Russia could lead to a loss of at least 14% in Armenia’s GDP.
"The Ukraine crisis erupted precisely when Ukraine attempted to join the EU," Putin remarked.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866543062777856/
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