Kathrine Frich
Shifting alliances always bring growing pains.
When a small country tries to step out of a giant neighbor’s shadow, the pushback is rarely subtle. The tension usually spills into public view right when voters are paying the most attention.
A firm no
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has firmly rejected a push from Moscow to hold a quick public vote on joining the European Union.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently demanded the move. He argued that the small nation cannot balance European ambitions with its current spot in a Moscow-led economic bloc, according to reports from AFP and Agerpres cited by Hotnews.
Pashinyan responded on Monday through a Facebook video. He told viewers that “it would be illogical to organize a referendum” at this specific moment.
Waiting for the right time
The prime minister explained that a binding choice is not yet necessary.
He noted the decision “will not be inevitable, as long as Armenia has not officially submitted its candidacy for EU membership or is not ready to obtain the status of a candidate country.”
This public standoff arrives at a deeply critical moment for the country. Voters head to the polls next week.
Echoes of past conflicts
The Kremlin is turning up the diplomatic heat. On Saturday, Moscow officially called its ambassador back from Armenia to discuss the growing ties between Yerevan and Europe.
Just a day earlier, Putin issued a stark warning. He pointed out that the “Ukrainian scenario” originally kicked off when officials in Kiev attempted to align with the European Union.
Despite the friction, Pashinyan tried to strike a more optimistic tone regarding the historic alliance. “We are on the verge of building new relations with Russia and I am convinced that we will succeed in this, especially because our relations with Russia are open and sincere,” he said.
Seeking new friends
The two nations share deep historical roots. While they remain technical military allies on paper, trust completely shattered last year.
Armenian officials heavily criticized Moscow for failing to provide military help during a brutal 2023 conflict with Azerbaijan. That betrayal had consequences.
Yerevan immediately began looking for new security partners in the United States and Europe.
The shift is already in motion. Armenia recently stepped back from a Russian-led security pact and hosted a major European summit in May.
Sources: AFP, Agerpres, Hotnews
