Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk stated that no one wants Armenia to leave the EAEU, and that Yerevan has also said it has no such intention.

“You know, the situation is rather strange and non-standard, because no one wants Armenia to leave the EAEU, and Armenia’s leadership also states that it does not want to leave the EAEU,” he said, according to TASS.

Overchuk noted that Russia supports Armenia remaining within the bloc “prospering and developing at the same pace as it has throughout all previous years of membership in the EAEU.”

On May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Yerevan should clarify its position regarding participation in either the European Union or the EAEU as soon as possible, after which a “civilized divorce” option could be discussed.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan later said that only Armenia can discuss the issue of its status in the EAEU. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also stated on May 21 that the issue of leaving the EAEU cannot be discussed until Armenia submits such a request and expresses such a desire.