Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation to discuss rising tensions in bilateral economic relations and Yerevan’s deepening ties with the European Union. The call came amid mounting trade friction between the two long-standing allies and divergent perspectives on Armenia’s geopolitical trajectory.

The Armenian Prime Minister's Office Readout

According to the press service of the Armenian Prime Minister, the discussion centered on key challenges facing bilateral trade. Pashinyan directly raised the issue of recent Russian restrictions imposed on the import of Armenian goods, including agricultural products, fish, and spirits. The Armenian leader emphasized that such import bans contradict both the bilateral legal framework between Yerevan and Moscow and the core regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). He urged President Putin to take concrete steps to lift these restrictions and resolve the trade disputes.

Regarding the debate surrounding a potential Armenian referendum on EU membership, Pashinyan clarified Yerevan's position. He stated that holding a national referendum on joining the European Union would only be practically feasible after Armenia formally submits an official application for EU accession, rendering the issue concrete. Pashinyan reiterated Armenia’s commitment to addressing all outstanding bilateral issues with Moscow through open, constructive, and partner-based dialogue.

The Kremlin's Readout

The Kremlin’s press service stated that the telephone conversation took place at the initiative of the Armenian side. In its official summary, Moscow focused heavily on Armenia’s geopolitical stance and its obligations within the EAEU framework. According to the Kremlin, President Putin reaffirmed his commitment to the joint statement adopted on May 29 by the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan during the EAEU summit in Astana.

The Russian side underscored that Armenia needs to promptly hold a nationwide referendum to determine whether the country intends to pursue EU integration or remain within the Eurasian Economic Union. Russian officials have previously cautioned that pursuing European integration could jeopardize Armenia’s access to preferential trade mechanisms and economic privileges within the bloc.