Russia Threatens Armenia Over European Union Push
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia. This followed a warning from President Vladimir Putin against Armenia joining the European Union.
Putin said joining the EU was "impossible to reconcile" with staying in the Eurasian Economic Union. The Eurasian Economic Union is a Russia-led trade bloc.
Putin also pointed to the "Ukrainian scenario" as a possible result for Armenia. The Eurasian Economic Union has threatened to suspend Armenia from the bloc.
It has also called on Armenia to hold a public vote. The vote would ask Armenians to choose between the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Armenia has long had strong ties to Russia. But in recent years it has moved closer to the West. Armenian President Nikol Pashinyan has been building ties with both Russia and the West.
Key Terms 4
- Ambassador A country's top official representative living in another country
- Eurasian Economic Union A Russia-led trade bloc of several former Soviet countries
- Ukrainian scenario Putin's reference to the war in Ukraine as a warning to Armenia
- Referendum A public vote where citizens decide on one important question