Key facts
- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan requested Russian President Vladimir Putin's help to resolve Russian trade restrictions on Armenian exports.
- Pashinyan stated the restrictions violate agreements between Armenia and Russia and breach Eurasian Economic Union rules.
- Russia temporarily banned imports of Armenian products including fruit, vegetables, flowers, fish, and alcoholic beverages.
- Putin suggested Pashinyan's proposal for EU membership should be put to a referendum.
- Moscow has warned Armenia could be suspended from the EAEU if it continues to pursue EU membership.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday to address a dispute over Russian restrictions on Armenian exports. The Armenian government stated that Pashinyan asked Putin to intervene and resolve the issue, asserting that the trade restrictions violate agreements between the two nations and the rules of the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which both are members.
Pashinyan, who has been steering Armenia towards closer ties with the West, informed Putin that Armenia was ready to resolve outstanding disputes through dialogue. The Kremlin reported that Putin suggested Pashinyan's proposal to seek European Union membership should be put to a referendum.