Armenia rejects Putin's EU referendum demand amid shifting relations with Russia
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected Moscow's call for a referendum on Armenia joining the EU, stating that relations with Russia are in a "transformation phase." This comes as the Kremlin increases pressure on Armenia due to its growing ties with Brussels, including banning fish imports from Armenia and recalling its ambassador. Pashinyan indicated that a referendum would only be considered if Yerevan officially applied for EU membership or was close to candidate status. Armenia, an ex-Soviet republic, has historically been allied with Russia but has sought other allies after feeling unprotected by Moscow in conflicts with Azerbaijan. Russia's President Vladimir Putin had previously criticized Armenia's moves towards the Western bloc, suggesting that membership in both the EU and the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union would be impossible.
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