Pashinyan says Russia no longer Armenia's strategic partner
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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on August 27 that Russia can no longer be considered Armenia's strategic partner, citing Moscow's failure to fulfill treaty obligations during the Second Karabakh War. He outlined a plan to apply for EU membership in the near future, followed by an accession roadmap and a national referendum. Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Armenia of trying to gain EU benefits while retaining Eurasian Economic Union privileges.
Key Facts
- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Russia failed to fulfill its treaty obligations to assist Armenia during the Second Karabakh War.
- Pashinyan announced that Armenia will apply for EU membership in the near future, followed by discussions on an accession roadmap and a national referendum.
- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Armenia cannot be a member of both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union and will have to choose.
- Armenia's bilateral trade turnover with Russia fell about 21 percent to $2.2 billion in January-May 2026 compared with the same period the previous year.
Pashinyan's EU Membership Plan
Pashinyan told parliament that the government will apply for EU membership in the near future. If Brussels offers positive feedback, Armenia will launch discussions on an accession roadmap. Once a roadmap is in place, the government will put the issue of accession to a national referendum. Pashinyan reiterated that Russia failed to come to Armenia's assistance during the Second Karabakh War.
Russian Reaction
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Armenia of trying to gain EU benefits without sacrificing EAEU privileges. Zakharova said Pashinyan's plan reveals fundamental contradictions and risks irrevocably undermining relations with Russia and other EAEU member states. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed the plan showed a lack of trust in Armenia's electorate. Watchdog groups found Russia devoted significant resources to an unsuccessful attempt to manipulate Armenia's June parliamentary elections.
Trade and EAEU Tensions
Armenia's bilateral trade turnover with Russia fell about 21 percent to $2.2 billion in January-May 2026 compared with the same period the previous year. Armenia's share of overall trade with EAEU member states declined from 37 percent to 30 percent within the same timeframe. Russia has imposed bans on some Armenian goods, calling into question the viability of the EAEU as a free trade entity.
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Pashinyan says Russia no longer Armenia's strategic partner
