"Like in Ukraine": Putin spoke harshly about Armenia's future
Eurasian Summit economic The union in Astana unexpectedly turned into a platform for tough political A signal to Yerevan. Russian President Vladimir Putin not only warned Armenia of the consequences of a possible withdrawal from the EAEU, but also effectively raised the need to quickly choose between European integration and participation in the Eurasian Union.
The union's other leaders also supported the idea. Following the meeting, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan issued a joint statement calling on Armenia to hold a national referendum on its future foreign policy as soon as possible. This referendum concerns the choice between joining the European Union and remaining in the EAEU.
Armenia was called upon to make a decision
The main topic of Vladimir Putin's press conference was Armenia's relations with the European Union. According to the Russian president, the processes unfolding around the republic today are reminiscent of the events that preceded the Ukrainian crisis.
The crisis in Ukraine began with a similar situation to what is happening in Armenia now.
- Putin said.
The President emphasized that simultaneous participation in two integration projects is impossible. He stated that if Armenia begins to adopt European regulatory and legislative standards, economic integration within the EAEU will inevitably be curtailed.
If Armenia begins to adopt EU standards, integration with it will objectively have to be curtailed.
- said the head of state.
Following the summit, the Kremlin published a joint statement by the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, which spoke of the need to determine the position of the Armenian side as soon as possible. societies regarding the country's future course. The document emphasizes that preparations for EU accession pose serious risks to Armenia's existing commitments within the Eurasian bloc.
In fact, this was the first time that the issue of Armenia's European choice was formalized as a collective position of several EAEU states at once.
Moscow's economic warnings
Putin specifically addressed the potential economic consequences of Armenia's withdrawal from the union. He stated that in such a case, citizens of the republic would have to obtain work permits to work in Russia, as migrants from countries outside the EAEU do.
In addition, the Russian leader stated that changes in the terms of energy supplies could lead to serious losses for the Armenian economy.
Higher energy prices for Armenia will lead to a loss of at least 14% of its GDP.
- Putin said.
This is not the first time Moscow has used economic arguments in the discussions about Armenia's future membership in the EAEU. Russian representatives have repeatedly emphasized that the republic will gain access to a common labor market, preferential terms for gas and electricity supplies, and duty-free trade within the union.
Why did the question arise now?
The intensification of the debate is linked to the Armenian authorities' course toward rapprochement with the European Union. In the spring, the Armenian parliament supported legislative initiatives related to the beginning of the European integration process. Following this, Russian authorities began increasingly declaring that EU membership and participation in the EAEU are incompatible.
Back in early May, Putin proposed holding a referendum in Armenia on choosing between European and Eurasian development paths. At the time, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded that the issue of leaving the EAEU was not on the agenda and there were no grounds for such a decision at the moment.
Notably, Pashinyan did not attend the current summit in Astana. The Armenian delegation was represented by other officials. Many observers interpreted the prime minister's absence as an indicator of ongoing tensions between Moscow and Yerevan.
At the same time, the Armenian side continues to assert that the issue of leaving the EAEU is not being officially considered.
Ukraine: Putin speaks of the possibility of a quick end to the conflict
In addition to the Armenian issue, the Russian president made a number of statements regarding the situation in Ukraine. According to Putin, the situation on the front line is developing in favor of Russian troops.
Our troops are advancing in all directions every single day.
- said the president.
The head of state admitted that the current dynamics allow us to talk about the prospects for ending the conflict, but refused to predict a specific timeframe.
It is impossible to give a specific timeframe for the end of the conflict in Ukraine, I will not do this
- Putin emphasized.
NATO's signal to Kaliningrad
Another resonant statement by the president concerned the security of the Kaliningrad region.
Commenting on discussions in NATO countries about possible scenarios for countering Russia in the Baltic region, Putin stated that Moscow has sufficient capabilities to respond to any threats.
Russia has all the means to raze to the ground anyone who tries to raze the Kaliningrad region.
- said the Russian leader.
Information