Armenia's Pashinyan asks Putin to help resolve Russian restrictions on Armenian exports

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to address trade restrictions that Moscow has imposed on Armenian exports. During a phone call on Monday, Pashinyan stated that these restrictions violate existing agreements between the two nations and contravene the rules of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which both are members.

Pashinyan's office reported that he asked Putin to "take measures to resolve these issues," reaffirming Armenia's readiness for dialogue. The call comes amid increasingly strained relations between Yerevan and Moscow, as Armenia pursues closer ties with Western nations. Last month, Russia temporarily banned imports of various Armenian products, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish, and alcoholic beverages.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin reported that Putin advised Pashinyan to hold a referendum on Armenia's potential European Union membership "as soon as possible." This exchange highlights the growing divergence between the two allies. Moscow has previously warned that Armenia risks suspension from the EAEU if it continues to pursue EU membership.

Armenia's geopolitical balancing act is underscored by its significant economic dependence on Russia, which accounted for approximately 35% of Armenia's foreign trade last year, while also relying on Russia for energy supplies. Pashinyan's government has been steering the country in a more pro-Western direction, a stance that has created friction with its long-standing ally.

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He asked to take measures to resolve these issues