Putin meets Pashinyan for the first time since Armenia’s latest election and asks him to choose soon: the EU or the EAEU

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in person for the first time since Armenia's June parliamentary elections during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek. Putin reiterated his support for Armenia's pursuit of European Union membership, describing it as "the country's legitimate right."

However, he cautioned that joining the EU would create complications, particularly due to Armenia's existing membership in the Eurasian Economic Union. Putin emphasized that the sooner Armenia decides on its EU membership, the better for Russia. He also proposed giving Armenians the opportunity to voice their opinion on EU membership.

In April, Pashinyan had traveled to Moscow, where he spoke favorably about democracy and free speech in Armenia compared to Russia. Armenia's recent parliamentary elections saw Pashinyan's party win with over 49.7% of the vote. In recent years, Pashinyan has advocated for closer ties between Armenia and the European Union, despite Russia's stance that simultaneous membership in both the EU and the EAEU is impossible.

The two countries also have differing views on their involvement in the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Pashinyan expressed a desire for Armenia to be expelled from the CSTO. Meduza, the news outlet responsible for this reporting, follows strict editorial standards and uses AI to ensure accurate and timely translations.