ASTANA — Leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union warned Armenia it could face suspension from the bloc over its bid to join the European Union during a summit in Astana. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the heads of state of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan jointly stated that Armenia’s EU aspirations pose 'risks' to their economic security.

The four leaders ordered their officials to prepare a report by December on the 'possible consequences of suspending' Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union. They also called on Armenia to hold a referendum offering voters a clear choice between pursuing EU membership or remaining in the EEU.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has previously rejected holding such a referendum. He argued that Armenia can, for now, combine its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union with developing cooperation with the EU.

Putin emphasized that dual membership is not viable, stating that Armenia cannot be part of both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union. He warned Pashinyan that pursuing EU integration would cause Armenia to suffer massive economic damage, potentially losing up to 14% of its Gross Domestic Product.

Russia has already taken economic measures against Armenia, including banning imports of Armenian brandy, fruit, and vegetables, and warning it could halt supplies of cheap natural gas. These actions coincide with Armenia’s scheduled parliamentary elections on June 7, 2026. Pashinyan, who has been in power since 2018, is seeking re-election in that vote.

Armenia has increasingly sought closer ties with the U.S. and the EU. In 2025, it signed a U.S.-brokered agreement ending decades of hostilities with Azerbaijan. The government has also suspended the country’s participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.

The Eurasian Economic Union is a single market created in 2015 to allow the free movement of goods, capital, and labor.