Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in a press conference following the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on May 29. In his speech, the Kremlin leader commented on cooperation within the EAEU, settlements in national currencies, and Armenia's foreign policy direction.
Putin emphasized that deepening allied relations with EAEU member states remains a priority for Russia. He noted that common markets for goods, services, capital, and labor have been formed within the EAEU. According to the Russian president, trade turnover between the union's countries reached $95 billion last year.
Putin also noted that almost all settlements between EAEU countries are now conducted in national currencies. He believes that the member states' efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in basic food products are also a key economic trend.
At the press conference, the Russian leader specifically addressed the issue of Armenia. Stating that there are “special relations” between Russia and Armenia, he expressed that regardless of Yerevan's decisions regarding rapprochement with the West, these ties would not be completely severed. However, Putin stressed that within the EAEU, the primary focus is on economic interests.
He noted that if Armenia begins to transition to European Union standards, economic integration issues within Russia and the EAEU could be reconsidered. Putin stated that in such a case, there could be impacts on Armenian products, including wine exports, railway tariffs, energy prices, and the status of Armenian citizens working in Russia.
The Russian president also mentioned the crisis in Ukraine, linking its origin to Kyiv's efforts to move closer to the European Union. At the same time, he stated that the Eurasian Union is asking Armenia to hold a referendum on membership as soon as possible.
It is worth noting that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not attend the EAEU summit in Astana. Previously, reports circulated that Yerevan had chosen a policy of rapprochement with the European Union, fueling new discussions about Armenia's future in the Eurasian Economic Union.
In short, after the Astana summit, Putin called economic cooperation with EAEU countries a key priority for Russia. Regarding Armenia, he sent a clear signal: political choices are separate, but every decision in economic integration has its price.
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