In an interview with TASS, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin pointed to the convoluted nature of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statements regarding a referendum on Armenia’s accession to the European Union (EU) or remaining in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

As the Russian deputy foreign minister noted, Article 205 of the Armenian constitution implies that such a referendum on membership in supranational international organizations should be initiated by the Armenian government itself.

At the same time, Galuzin continued, during the debates in 2025 on the future law on the launch of the process of Armenia’s accession to the EU, the Armenian side argued that, despite the provisions of the constitution, the passing of the aforesaid law does not necessitate a referendum, since this document is simply a meaningless political declaration.

“And now we hear that the results of the June [parliamentary] elections in Armenia supposedly already indicate nationwide support for the pro-European path, for the further introduction of European norms and rules in the country, therefore there is no need for a referendum again,” the Russian deputy foreign minister noted.

“Let me remind that during the [parliamentary] election campaign, Pashinyan sometimes was making diametrically opposing and confusing statements. Moreover, sometimes he was also quite openly admitting that no one has invited Armenia to the EU yet, and that it may never become a member of it,” Galuzin added. “A lot has already been said, but it does not add clarity at all.”

According to the senior Russian diplomat, this is precisely why the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan have stated that it is necessary to know what the people of Armenia really think about this issue.

"Moreover, not in an abstract-theoretical sense—‘Do you want the EU?’—but in a concrete-practical sense: ‘Are you ready to give up membership in the EAEU for the sake of the not-so-obvious prospect of joining the EU in the future?’ Because this very wording of the question will be more honest towards the citizens of the Republic of Armenia. And also towards other members of the EAEU," the Russian deputy foreign minister concluded.