Political processes in the Eurasian space and debates surrounding international economic unions are intensifying. During the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (EAEU) summit held on May 29 in Astana, Kazakhstan, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko made a serious and sensational statement addressed to the Armenian government and people.
He urged Yerevan officials to be extremely cautious in their policy of rapprochement with the West. Stay with us as we provide details on the Belarusian leader's message to the Armenian people, the parallels drawn with the Ukrainian crisis, and Yerevan's official response.
“God forbid the Ukrainian scenario repeats itself”
According to the 'Pul Pervogo' Telegram channel, Alexander Lukashenko urged Armenian citizens during his speech at the summit to 'measure seven times before cutting,' meaning to be 'very cautious.'
He attempted to justify his concerns with the following factors:
Historical Lesson: The Belarusian leader recalled that the horrific bloody events and political crisis in neighboring Ukraine began under the same slogans of excessive rapprochement with Europe.
Alignment of Positions: Lukashenko demonstrated full support for the views of Russian President Vladimir Putin on this matter. It is known that Putin also emphasized at the Astana press conference that the root cause of the political turmoil in Kyiv was linked to the desire to join the European Union.
Alexander Lukashenko called on Armenian voters to carefully consider the consequences before developing relations with the EU, stating: “I am only calling on them to think seriously about this. If the people express their will freely, we will accept this decision regardless.”
Yerevan's Response: A Choice Between Two Fires
Against the backdrop of such sharp statements, the Armenian government is trying to mitigate the situation and maintain balance. During the summit, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan responded cautiously to journalists' questions about whether the country would choose the EU or the EAEU.
Official Position: “This issue has not yet been officially and seriously placed on the agenda. If such a situation arises, of course, specific discussions will be organized. If necessary, all risks and potential consequences will be analyzed in depth. For now, we are not considering such a bilateral scenario,” said Mher Grigoryan.
Referendum Demand and Economic Risks
It should be noted that earlier, leaders of EAEU member states issued a joint statement asking Armenia to settle this issue by holding a national referendum on whether to join the EU or remain in the EAEU.
Currently, this major economic structure consists of the following countries:
Union Members | Vladimir Putin's Statement Regarding Yerevan |
Russia Belarus Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Armenia | Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has openly warned that if Yerevan makes a final decision to leave the union, this step could lead to very difficult and serious economic consequences for Armenia. |
In short, Armenia's geopolitical choice is at the center of attention for major political players in the region. Time will tell how the situation develops.
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