Putin Warns Armenians Working in Russia Could Lose Special Status if Armenia Leaves EAEU

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on May 29 that Armenia could face serious economic consequences if it leaves the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), including new work permit requirements for Armenian citizens employed in Russia, higher energy prices, and restrictions on trade access.

Putin made the remarks during a press conference following his visit to Kazakhstan, where leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union gathered for the Eurasian Supreme Economic Council summit in Astana.

According to Putin, if Armenia withdraws from the EAEU, Russia would be forced to stop all economic integration processes currently in place between the two countries. He said Armenian citizens working in Russia would no longer benefit from the current labor arrangements within the bloc and would instead need to obtain work permits.

“Europe is only promising 2.5 billion euros in investments in Armenia, while Russia has already made significant investments in the country’s economy,” the Russian president said.

Putin also claimed that Armenia would face increased prices for Russian energy resources if it leaves the union. According to him, the economic impact of those higher costs could amount to around 14% of Armenia’s gross domestic product.

He additionally questioned how Armenia would continue exporting agricultural products if its economic ties with the EAEU are broken.

“Participation in free trade agreements will be closed,” he stated.

Putin called for Armenia to hold a referendum on possible membership in the European Union as soon as possible.

At the same time, he stated that closer economic relations between Armenia and the European Union would not damage humanitarian relations between Russia and Armenia.

“I told Nikol Vovayevich that everything that is good for Armenians is acceptable and good for Russia. Do what you think is best, based on the interests of the Armenian people. You are now in power, and the responsibility for making decisions is on you. Whatever you say, that is how it will be,” Putin concluded.

Armenia was represented at the summit by Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan. The leaders of the EAEU member states — Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan — also released a joint statement stressing the importance of organizing a referendum in Armenia regarding possible European Union membership.

The ruling Civil Contract party has stated in its election platform that Armenia plans to remain a member of the EAEU as long as reforms connected to possible European Union integration remain compatible with membership in the bloc.

The comments come during a period of growing tensions between Armenia and Russia over Yerevan’s increasing cooperation with European institutions. Earlier in May, Yerevan hosted both the European Political Community summit and the first Armenia-European Union summit.

In recent months, Russian authorities have also introduced restrictions on the export of several Armenian products, increasing concerns about economic pressure from Moscow as Armenia deepens ties with the West.

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