Process of leaving EAEU will be painful for Armenian population, says Russian Deputy FM

The process of leaving the EAEU will be painful for the Armenian population, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said in an interview with Izvestia.

“If Armenia pursues a European path, it will objectively entail a revision of those established economic relations that Yerevan has with its partners today through the EAEU. This will likely be a rather painful process, unfortunately, including for the Armenian population,” he said.

According to him, it is not Russia’s intention, nor anyone else’s, to exclude or harm Armenia in the context of their well-developed economic cooperation.

“Our trade turnover last year amounted to about $12 billion, demonstrating significant growth. We do not and cannot have plans to somehow undermine Armenia’s interests. This is our ally, strategic partner, with which we are linked, just like with Georgia, by centuries-old common history, common victory in the Great Patriotic War, the 80th anniversary of which we will hopefully celebrate together on May 9.

The fact is that objectively simultaneous membership in the EU and the EAEU is impossible, as these unions have different customs and tariff regulations, they are different economic blocs. Accordingly, our Armenian colleagues will probably have to decide at some point which direction they are following: integration into the European Union or continued participation in the Eurasian and Eurasian economic blocs,” he said.

Galuzin expressed hope that Yerevan recognizes and evaluates this situation appropriately.

“So far, Armenia has not withdrawn from any organization of the Eurasian Economic Union. We highly appreciate its successful presidency of the EAEU last year, in 2024. Our cooperation continues. Representatives of the country also actively participate in all events, in all expert meetings of the CIS bodies,” he added.