Only the people of Armenia can decide the country’s future and choose the path of European integration, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said in Brussels ahead of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, responding to remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding Armenia’s European ambitions.

“Only the people of Armenia can decide their future. The recent meeting of the European Political Community, as well as the EU-Armenia summit, showed the direction they want to take. And Europe will support them,” Kos said.

She also noted that the European Union is aware of the “geopolitical dynamics” in the region and will continue to follow developments “very closely.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier stated that it would be appropriate for Armenia to clarify its position regarding possible membership in the European Union.

Putin said Armenia’s plans to join the European Union “require special discussion.”

“For example, a referendum could be held. It is not our business, but in principle it would be entirely logical to ask Armenian citizens what their choice will be. Based on that, we would draw conclusions and move toward a soft, civilized and mutually beneficial ‘separation.’ After all, you understand that we are now witnessing everything that happened in the Ukrainian direction. And how did it all begin? It started with Ukraine’s attempt to join the EU,” Putin said.