Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that Moscow will not tolerate closer ties with the European Union during a tense Kremlin meeting Wednesday. Putin issued veiled threats regarding Russian gas supplies to Armenia.
"We see that there is a discussion in Armenia about developing relations with the European Union," Putin said, adding that dual membership in both the EU and Eurasian Economic Union is impossible.
Putin emphasized Russia's leverage through energy pricing, noting Moscow sells gas to Armenia at $177.5 per 1,000 cubic meters compared to European prices exceeding $600.
Armenia has increasingly signaled intentions to join the 27-member EU bloc following its peace agreement with Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Pashinyan declared the final decision would be made solemnly by Armenian citizens without interference.
The relationship has deteriorated since Azerbaijan reclaimed Karabakh in 2023. Armenia suspended membership in the Russia-led CSTO after Moscow failed to support Yerevan during the 2022 conflict escalation.
Putin referenced detained Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, while Pashinyan maintained Armenia operates as a democracy with no political prisoners and unrestricted social media access.
Putin attempted to justify Russia's non-intervention, arguing that Armenia's acceptance of Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan made CSTO involvement inappropriate.