Armenia rejects Russian call for EU referendum amid rising diplomatic tensions

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected calls from Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a referendum on potential European Union membership. Tensions between the two nations have escalated ahead of the June 7 parliamentary elections in Armenia. President Putin, warning of a potential 'Ukrainian scenario', argued that Armenia cannot simultaneously participate in the EU and the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union. In response, Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations and imposed restrictions on imports of Armenian fruits and vegetables. The European Commission has condemned these actions, labeling them as pressure tactics and an attempt to interfere with Armenian internal affairs. Mr. Pashinyan characterized the demand for a referendum as illogical, stating that such a move is premature as Armenia has not yet officially applied for EU candidate status. He described the current state of Armenian-Russian relations as being in a phase of transformation. The Armenian government continues to seek broader international partnerships following dissatisfaction with Russia's perceived lack of support in the conflict with Azerbaijan.