Russian leader Vladimir Putin said Armenia should hold a referendum on its future relations with the European Union and Russia, while again claiming that Russia’s war against Ukraine began after Kyiv sought closer ties with the EU.

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According to comments published by Russian state media on May 9, Putin addressed Armenia’s growing cooperation with the European Union during a press conference in Moscow following Russia’s Victory Day events.

Putin said Yerevan should determine its geopolitical direction “as early as possible,” suggesting a public vote on EU integration.

“On my view, it would be right both in relation to the population, the citizens of Armenia, and in relation to us, as the main economic partner, to decide as early as possible. For example, to hold a referendum,” Putin said.

Putin added that the outcome of such a referendum would allow Moscow to make “appropriate conclusions” and proceed with what he described as a “soft, intelligent and mutually beneficial separation.”

The Russian leader also proposed discussing Armenia’s EU ambitions during a future summit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Moscow-led economic bloc that includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia.

During the same remarks, Putin drew parallels between Armenia’s European integration efforts and events preceding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

“We are now experiencing everything that is happening in the Ukrainian direction. But where did it all begin? With Ukraine’s accession or attempts to join the EU,” Putin said.

He further claimed that these developments later resulted in “the coup d’état, the Crimean story, the position of southeastern Ukraine and military actions.”

The comments come amid continued tensions between Moscow and Yerevan after Armenia deepened political ties with the European Union and criticized the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) over security issues in the South Caucasus.

In 2025, Armenia’s parliament approved legislation launching the country’s EU accession process. Russian officials responded by warning that Armenia would eventually have to choose between the EU and the EAEU.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said in March 2025 that Moscow could reconsider its economic relations with Yerevan if Armenia pursued integration with the European Union, according to previous Russian government statements.