Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has declined Russian President Vladimir Putin’s request for Yerevan to hold a referendum on joining the European Union. The statement comes amid growing diplomatic pressure from Moscow, just days before Armenia’s parliamentary vote scheduled for June 7th. Pashinyan emphasized that decisions on foreign policy and international integration remain within Armenia’s sovereign authority, rejecting external influence on its strategic direction.
The situation underscores tensions in Armenia’s geopolitical positioning, as it balances relations with both Russia and the EU. While Moscow continues to advocate for closer ties with the Eurasian Economic Union, Yerevan is pursuing deeper integration with European institutions. The upcoming parliamentary vote will likely shape the country’s future alignment, with domestic political dynamics playing a key role in determining its course.