After the events held on the occasion of Victory Day over fascism, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at an impromptu press conference at the Kremlin about the war against Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, also did not forget to send a warning message to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The Kremlin leader once again repeated what he had told Pashinyan at their last meeting: “Armenia must choose between membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and a course of integration into the European Union.”

Axar.az reports that political analyst Elkhan Shahinoglu said this.

“However, Vladimir Putin this time also added two points on the subject. First, according to the Russian president, if Yerevan chooses the European direction, a ‘soft and civilized separation’ from Russia will take place. Second, Putin suggested that Pashinyan hold a referendum on Armenia’s European integration. In saying this, Putin is also sending a message to Armenian society: ‘Armenia has gained significant advantages within the Eurasian Economic Union.’ In other words, Putin is warning Armenian society that if Pashinyan holds a referendum and Armenians prefer a course of integration with the European Union, there will be losses. Although Putin did not say it openly, he also implied that Russia would increase the price of gas it sells to Armenia.

If Nikol Pashinyan wins the parliamentary elections, he will first seek to amend the Constitution, sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, and ensure the opening of the border with Turkiye and the start of trade with that country. In parallel, construction of the so-called ‘Trump route’ will begin. Of course, Nikol Pashinyan would prefer integration with the European Union instead of Russia, but the reality is that even if Yerevan wants it, Armenia will not become an EU member in the near future. Pashinyan understands this, and so does Putin. Therefore, with the demand to “make a choice,” Putin is trying to corner Pashinyan and, in this way, strengthen the hand of radical opposition forces in Armenia,” the political analyst emphasized.