Pashinyan Asks Putin to Lift Russian Trade Restrictions, Says They Violate EAEU Rules

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene over restrictions on Armenian exports to Russia during a phone call Monday, as the two leaders also discussed Armenia's increasingly debated path toward possible European Union membership.

According to the Armenian government, Pashinyan said the trade restrictions imposed on Armenian products entering the Russian market violate both bilateral agreements and the rules of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). He urged Putin to take steps to resolve the issue, which has become a growing source of concern for Armenian businesses that rely heavily on the Russian market.

The conversation also focused on recent calls for Armenia to hold a referendum on joining the European Union. Pashinyan told Putin that such a vote would only be possible after Armenia formally applies for EU membership, arguing that a referendum cannot be held before the issue becomes an official and concrete political process.

The Armenian government said Pashinyan also reaffirmed Yerevan's willingness to address disagreements through open and constructive dialogue with Moscow.

The Kremlin said the call took place at the request of the Armenian side.

In its own statement, the Kremlin said Putin reaffirmed Russia's support for the joint declaration adopted by the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia during the May 29 EAEU summit in Astana. That declaration urged Armenia to hold a referendum as soon as possible on whether it intends to pursue membership in the European Union or remain within the Eurasian Economic Union.

The discussion comes at a time when Armenia is trying to deepen ties with the European Union while maintaining critical economic links with Russia.

Despite political tensions in recent years, Russia remains Armenia's largest trading partner. Data from Armenia's Statistical Committee shows that 36.3% of the country's exports went to Russia during the first quarter of 2026, compared with 14.1% destined for European Union member states. Armenian exports to Russia have expanded significantly since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The debate over Armenia's geopolitical direction intensified after four EAEU member states announced on May 29 that Armenia's future relationship with the bloc would be discussed in December. The four governments also called on Yerevan to organize a referendum on whether the country should seek EU membership or remain in the EAEU.

Pashinyan has previously said that under the EAEU's governing rules, only Armenia has the authority to decide whether it leaves the bloc.

Putin has also warned that a further deterioration in relations between Moscow and Yerevan could have serious economic consequences for Armenia, including a decline in gross domestic product of at least 14% and sharply higher energy prices.

Although the two leaders continue to communicate, Putin has not publicly congratulated Pashinyan since the Armenian prime minister's election victory.

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