08:35, 02 September 2026, Bishkek – 24.kg news agency

, by Grigory PRUTKOV

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held talks in Bishkek. One of the main topics of the meeting was Armenia’s intention to join the European Union and the possible consequences of this decision for relations with Russia.

In his statement, the Russian leader noted that Moscow supports the development of friendly and mutually beneficial relations with Armenia. However, he noted that Yerevan’s European course could create difficulties for further cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union.

«Armenia’s aspirations to join the EU are the natural and legitimate right of the country and its people. It is a sovereign state, and the Armenian people are free to determine the vector of its development. But this certainly creates difficulties for Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and threatens to nullify the republic’s advantages in the EAEU market and disrupt established trade chains,» Vladimir Putin stated.

He emphasized that Moscow will respect the choice of the Armenian people, but at the same time, Russia needs to understand Yerevan’s future political and economic course.

Nikol Pashinyan, for his part, confirmed Armenia’s interest in further developing and deepening relations with Russia.

He added that Yerevan does not see its intent to join the European Union as a violation of its agreements with Russia and the EAEU.

As the Armenian Prime Minister explained, the situation in the region has changed in recent years following the establishment of peace, so relations between Moscow and Yerevan should be considered in light of these new realities. In his opinion, this could contribute to their further development.

Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan met in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.