The two heads of state spoke on the phone a week before parliamentary elections in Armenia.
Vladimir Putin last week called on Yerevan to hold a referendum "as soon as possible", saying it was impossible for Armenia to reconcile membership in EU with remaining in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), led by Moscow. In a video address broadcast on Facebook, Pashinyan explained that it would be illogical to hold a referendum until Armenia officially applies for EU membership.
Allies or not?
Armenia and Russia, which share centuries of common history, are technically allies. But Yerevan criticizes Moscow for not helping during the 2023 war with Azerbaijan and is now seeking favors from the EU and the United States.
Armenia suspended its participation in the regional security pact with Russia.
Last year, Armenia passed a law formally announcing its intention to apply for EU membership, continuing a partnership established in 2017.
This allowed the country to host the European summit in May, and the EU welcomed it as a step forward in relations between them. For its part, Moscow views the Armenian rapprochement with Brussels with suspicion.
Last weekend, the Kremlin called its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, regarding the strengthening of ties between Yerevan and the EU.
According to Nikol Pashinyan, Armenian-Russian relations are currently in the phase of transformation.
"We are building new relations with Russia and I am confident that we will succeed, especially because our relations with Russia are open and honest," said the Prime Minister of Armenia.
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