Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek on September 1 to discuss Armenia's aspirations for EU membership, announced Yuri Ushakov, assistant to the Russian president:
“There will be a conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Our leaders have already communicated after the elections in Armenia. It is approximately clear what will be discussed,” Ushakov said, according to Russian media.
“We continue to insist that Armenia cannot aspire to EU membership while simultaneously reaping huge benefits from cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union. This issue must somehow be resolved. This is certainly something the president and prime minister will discuss,” noted Putin's assistant.
Ushakov also stated that the Kremlin is concerned about the mass arrests of opposition leaders in Armenia who support better relations with Russia:
“The conversation will take place against the unusual backdrop of mass arrests of opposition leaders in Armenia,” said the Russian president's assistant, specifying that he refers to those leaders who support and have supported the strengthening of traditional friendly relations between Russia and Armenia.
“This topic will undoubtedly be discussed. And of course, we are concerned about the actions of the Armenian leadership,” declared Yuri Ushakov.
The Russian president stated that it is impossible to be a member of both the EU and the EAEU at the same time. Moscow insists that Armenia should hold a referendum to choose between the European and Eurasian unions.
Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan stated earlier this week in the National Assembly that Yerevan will soon begin the process of applying for EU membership:
