Armenia and Russia discuss EU referendum and trade disputes
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding trade restrictions and a potential Armenian referendum on EU membership.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 27, marking their first direct discussion following Armenia's recent parliamentary elections. According to statements regarding the call, Pashinyan urged Moscow to lift import restrictions imposed on Armenian goods, asserting that these trade barriers violate bilateral agreements and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) regulations.
The conversation also touched upon Armenia's evolving relationship with the European Union. Reports indicated that the leaders discussed the potential holding of a public referendum regarding Armenia's prospective membership in the European bloc as Yerevan navigates its broader geopolitical positioning.
Sources: Point, Радіо Свобода.
How outlets assessed this
- Jul 28, 2026, 06:00 AM UTC
- Point Neutral Framed the talk as Pashinyan indicating Armenia might hold a referendum on joining the European Union.
- Радіо Свобода Critical Highlighted Pashinyan challenging Russian import restrictions while reporting that Putin urged Armenia to hold an EU referendum.