On May 1, Mikael Aghasandyan, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's First Department of CIS Countries, stated that Armenia’s moves toward closer ties with the European Union are causing concern in Moscow due to the EU’s openly anti-Russian stance. However, he noted that Yerevan’s recent actions remain declarative and do not currently threaten its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Aghasandyan emphasized that the law adopted in Armenia on April 4, which initiates the EU accession process, is purely declarative and does not yet involve concrete actions that challenge the country’s EAEU participation. Nevertheless, he warned that deeper engagement with Brussels—an integral part of the “European path”—would inevitably conflict with Yerevan’s obligations under the EAEU framework.

Aghasandyan specifically highlighted areas such as customs, customs tariffs, technical regulations, trade policy, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, noting that these are critical sectors underpinning the shared market that drives Armenia’s economic growth and public welfare. He stressed that Moscow consistently raises with Armenian partners the fundamental incompatibility between Eurasian and European regulations in these areas and the impossibility of simultaneous membership in both unions. The diplomat underscored that Yerevan fully understands both the benefits of EAEU membership and the negative consequences of withdrawal, adding, “The European Union will not be able to compensate for the inevitable losses to the Armenian economy.”

Aghasandyan also recalled that the EAEU Treaty of May 29, 2014, clearly outlines the withdrawal procedure, which requires a member state to submit an official written notification. He emphasized that Armenia has never expressed—either publicly or in bilateral contacts—any intention to leave the EAEU. On the contrary, Aghasandyan noted that Yerevan continues to participate actively and productively in all EAEU negotiation formats, which he views as evidence of Armenia’s commitment to advancing Eurasian integration in line with its national interests.

In conclusion, Aghasandyan stressed that should Yerevan take steps violating EAEU law—something Moscow hopes will not occur—Russia has the necessary international legal instruments to protect the interests of the Union’s other member states.