At the May 29 meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Astana, there will be “a discussion regarding Armenia’s status in the Eurasian Economic Union,” Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said.

He added that Armenia’s choice between the EAEU and the European Union is “very complicated,” according to TASS.

“There will be a discussion there on the topic of Armenia’s status in the Eurasian Economic Union. The issue is very complicated. We do not want Armenia to leave the EAEU, we want Armenia to continue prospering, but we see the problems that will arise if it joins or moves closer to the European Union. In principle, these problems are already emerging,” he said.

Overchuk noted that during Armenia’s 11 years of EAEU membership, living standards and GDP have grown in the country.

“All of this has largely happened thanks to the economic advantages provided by participation in the EAEU. No one can replace that for Armenia,” he said.

According to Overchuk, economic and political issues are deeply interconnected.

“All this coincides with the election campaign currently underway in Armenia. There are forces there advocating for maintaining ties with the Eurasian Economic Union. There are also forces seeking to move the country toward the European Union. Of course, we want to see Armenia remain in the Eurasian Economic Union,” he stressed.

Overchuk also emphasized that Russia supports peace in the South Caucasus.

“In fact, it was Russia’s efforts that initially led to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We know that delegations are already being exchanged and trade between the two countries has begun. This is a completely natural process, and we cannot but welcome it. Armenia has undergone partial transport unblocking. Today, Russian grain and fertilizers reach Armenia by rail through Azerbaijan and Georgia. Russia is also participating in the unblocking process. All this strengthens Armenia.

At the same time, however, we see forces in Armenia advocating rapprochement with the European Union. A law adopted there last April clearly demonstrates the aspiration to join the EU,” he said.

He added that Armenians should “understand the consequences of such a choice.”

“In the current geopolitical situation, when the European Union is transforming from an economic integration association into a military-political alliance, when the EU is militarizing against Russia and does not hide it, Armenians must understand the consequences of such a choice,” he stated.

The Russian deputy prime minister also said Moscow does not want Armenia to lose its current economic advantages.

“Armenians are a brotherly people for us, and we care about how they live and what condition Armenia’s economy will be in. On the contrary, we do everything possible to ensure that the economy flourishes there. But if the choice is made in favor of the EU, then naturally a question arises for us. Why should we support this at the expense of our budget? If Armenia joins countries unfriendly toward Russia, then why should we support it?

Agree that it is one thing when Armenia is part of our union, and entirely another when Armenia moves toward rapprochement with a union of countries unfriendly to us. We hear from the Armenian side that they aspire toward the EU and are adopting its standards, while at the same time wanting to remain in the EAEU for now and enjoy all the economic privileges that EAEU membership provides.

It would be better if Armenia determines its position as soon as possible. That would be more honest both toward Armenia’s allies in the EAEU and toward Armenia itself. Moreover, this uncertainty forces economic operators into a wait-and-see position and hinders the development of long-term economic relations. But I repeat, we want Armenia to remain in the EAEU, while the choice belongs to the Armenian people,” the Russian deputy prime minister said.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, responding to remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Armenia does not intend to “divorce” any partner in its foreign relations.

“Our policy and diplomacy have never recognized such divorces throughout history. We also do not intend to introduce such confrontation — or rather tension — into Armenia-Russia relations. We are partners connected by numerous ties and are committed to discussing in a healthy environment how to develop these relations in a mutually beneficial way. Problems certainly exist, as they do in all relationships worldwide, and solutions should be found through constructive discussions,” he said.