Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk stated in an interview with Vedomosti daily that Armenia's current rapprochement with the European Union (EU) was already harming the country's economy.

According to him, Armenia's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has brought the country considerable economic growth, as per capita GDP has increased from $3,850 in 2014 to more than $8,500 in 2024. Trade with the other EAEU countries has reached $12.7 billion, while with the EU it is only $2.3 billion.

"Armenia's economic success is a demonstration of the advantages of the model of cooperation within the EAEU," Overchuk added.

However, Yerevan is actively discussing the matter of rapprochement with the EU. According to Overchuk, due to the move towards the EU, Russian business has become more cautious towards Armenia. Accordingly, in 2024, mutual trade decreased by $2 billion, and in 2025, losses could reach $6 billion. For a country with a GDP of $26 billion, this means a 23% loss.

“And this is still only the reaction of Russian business to the Armenian discussion,” added the Russian deputy premier.

Overchuk emphasized that it will not be possible to be in the EU and the EAEU at the same time. He suggested that Armenian citizens imagine how the EU choice would affect their lives.

Closure of direct flights to Russia. In 2022, Brussels closed EU skies to Russian airlines. This will complicate trips with relatives and reduce the flow of tourists to Armenia from Russia.

Cargo carriers will have to reassemble their trucks at the border, as European and Russian carriers do now.

“Armenian trucks will come to Upper Lars [checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border], reassemble, and return to Armenia,” said Overchuk.

Also, he drew attention to the new Armenian rules for product certification. And the simplification of the import of goods from third countries will create competition for local manufacturers and will force the EAEU to tighten its border control, and this will complicate the export of Armenian goods to Russia.

Overchuk stressed that Russia will respect the choice of the Armenian people, but rapprochement with the EU will inevitably lead to a complete rupture between Russia and Armenia.

“Whether the Armenians want it or not, that is a question they must answer,” added the Russian deputy PM.