Kathmandu— Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met on Tuesday in Kyrgyzstan, where tensions over Armenia's potential EU membership were evident. During their meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Putin warned that Yerevan’s bid to join the European Union could disrupt trade with Moscow and complicate its continued membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The meeting underscored the historic low point in relations between Russia and Armenia as Yerevan pivots towards the West.

Putin's Warning to Pashinyan

At their meeting, Putin told Pashinyan that while Russia is a key economic partner for Armenia, Yerevan’s EU aspirations could create complications for its EEU membership. Putin stated that joining the EU would be tantamount to declaring a break from the EEU, a Russian-led grouping of several post-Soviet states. He emphasized that this move would erode advantages on the EEU market and sever established trade links.

Armenia's Position

Pashinyan countered Putin’s concerns by asserting that Armenia’s decision to adopt a law launching the process of EU accession did not violate its obligations to Russia or the EEU. He emphasized that it was only an alternative his government had given to the people of Armenia. Pashinyan reiterated that Yerevan has no plans to leave the EEU and stressed that Moscow has always supported friendly and mutually beneficial relations with Yerevan.

Historical Context

After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia became Russia’s closest ally in the South Caucasus. The two nations developed strong trade, economic, and political ties, including hosting a Russian military base and being dependent on Russian gas. However, relations have soured since 2023 due to Russia's non-intervention during Azerbaijan's offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh.

EU Support for Armenia

The EU has pledged economic support to offset the pressure from Russia. In early July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Yerevan that it could count on the EU amid any economic pressure and pledged an additional 18 million euros as part of a broader 52 million euros economic support package.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.