The Path of 'Intelligent Divorce': Ovchuruk's Statement on Armenia

No one wants Armenia to exit the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Yerevan is also declaring that it has no intention of such a move, stated Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Ovchuruk.

“You know, the situation is very strange, quite unusual, because no one wants Armenia to leave the EAEU, and the leaders of Armenia are also stating that they do not want to exit the EAEU,” he said in an interview with 'Vesti'.

As Ovchuruk pointed out, Russia is in favor of Armenia remaining in the union and “flourishing and continuing to develop at the same pace as it has been in recent years, as long as it is in the EAEU.” On May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Yerevan must clarify its position regarding membership in the EU or EAEU as soon as possible; otherwise, a path of 'intelligent divorce' may be possible.

The Armenian parliament has adopted a law to start the process of joining the European Union on March 26, 2025, in its second and final reading. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that this does not automatically initiate the process of joining the community, as the matter requires a referendum.

As stated by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Ovchuruk, Russia views these actions as the beginning of Armenia's exit from the Eurasian Economic Union. According to him, EU membership is incompatible with the country's membership in the EAEU.