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 just days before a scheduled parliamentary vote on June 7th, highlighting growing tensions in Armenia’s foreign policy direction. Moscow has consistently urged Armenia to maintain strong ties with Russia, particularly through its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, while Yerevan seeks deeper integration with Western institutions.
The refusal underscores Armenia’s efforts to balance relations between major regional powers amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. While Russia continues to exert influence over its neighbors, Yerevan is pursuing independent diplomatic moves that align with broader European aspirations. The upcoming parliamentary decision will likely shape Armenia’s future trajectory, especially regarding international partnerships and economic cooperation.