Putin demands Armenia hold EU referendum

TT

Published 21.13

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference with the Eurasian Economic Union in Astana, Kazakhstan on Friday. Photo: Alexander Kazakov /Kreml Sputnik/ Pool Via AP/TT

President Vladimir Putin and three of Russia's political allies are demanding that Armenia hold a referendum on future EU membership.

The move comes as Armenia, previously loyal to Moscow, turns its gaze towards Brussels.

Armenia's increased interest in closer ties with the EU is due, among other things, to the conflict with Azerbaijan over land and increased distancing from the regime in Moscow.

Behind the Russian demands for a referendum are also Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

"Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan himself has said that he is considering a referendum on the issue of how Armenia should behave: join the Eurasian Union or the European Union. We want it to happen as soon as possible," Putin said at a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan.