Armenia don publicly reject the pressure from Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a referendum on joining the European Union, as tensions between Yerevan and Moscow continue to rise.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan explained that there is no need for any EU-related referendum unless the country officially applies for membership or gets close to candidate status.

He also stated that Armenia’s relationship with Russia is currently in a transformation phase and expressed hope for future cooperation built on more open and sincere ties.The disagreement comes as Russia intensifies diplomatic and economic pressure on Armenia due to its growing engagement with the West.Moscow had warned that Armenia pursuing EU integration could lead to consequences similar to the so-called “Ukrainian scenario.

” Shortly after these remarks, Russia imposed a ban on fish imports from Armenia, a move seen as economic retaliation since about 30 percent of Armenia’s fish exports go to the Russian market.Russia also recalled its ambassador from Armenia for consultations, signalling further strain in relations.On its own part, the European Union accused Russia of trying to influence Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections and weaken its economy.

Armenia, a former Soviet republic, has long been a close ally of Russia but has increasingly looked towards Europe following frustrations over Russia’s response during its conflict with Azerbaijan in 2023.

Despite still being part of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, Armenia recently hosted its first EU summit, attended by key European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.The situation shows a clear shift in Armenia’s foreign policy direction, even as it tries to balance relations with both East and West.