Sources have reported Pashinyan's plans to replace the ambassador in Russia.

14:05 31.07.2026

Armenia on the path to the EU? What is changing in Yerevan's relations with Russia

After the parliamentary elections, Armenia found itself once again at the center of geopolitical confrontation between Russia and the European Union. Yerevan declares its commitment to the course of Eurointegration, Moscow is increasing economic pressure and demanding a choice between the EU and the EAEU, while disputes continue within the country about the price of such a choice. Journalists from JAMnews investigated how Armenia arrived at its current stage of relations with Russia and Europe, what risks and opportunities experts see, and what the country's residents think about its future.

Restrictions on the import of Armenian products into Russia contradict the agreements between the two countries, Nikol Pashinyan reminded in a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin on July 27. The latter, in turn, insisted on holding a referendum in Armenia on joining the EU. A referendum on the choice between the EAEU and the EU will be meaningless and illegitimate until a number of procedural steps are completed, which will demonstrate disrespect for the people of Armenia, Pashinyan stated on August 7. The Armenian authorities should determine their participation in the EU or EAEU as soon as possible, for example, by holding a referendum that could serve as the basis for an "intelligent divorce" between the two countries, Putin stated on May 9. Armenia cannot sever economic ties with Russia and the EAEU, but has not eliminated the distrust between Yerevan and Moscow against the backdrop of the Armenian authorities' rhetoric about the country's accession to the European Union, analysts noted.

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, plans to replace the republic's ambassador to Russia, the Armenian newspaper "Zhogovurd" reported, citing sources in the government. Currently, this position is held by Gurgen Arsenyan.

Arsenyan was notified of the decision to recall him from office five days ago. He was explained that the authorities intend to abandon the political appointment to the post of ambassador in Moscow and send a career diplomat there, writes "Graparak".

Sources link the decision to Arsenyan's position on Armenian-Russian relations. According to them, the ambassador opposed several recent steps and statements by Yerevan regarding Moscow and urged the authorities to return to more constructive interaction with Russia. At the same time, during his time in Moscow, Arsenyan established close contacts with representatives of the Russian establishment, the publication notes.

Relations between Russia and Armenia have deteriorated due to Yerevan's plans to join the European Union. Since May, Russia has consistently banned the import of various Armenian products, including alcohol, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Russian authorities insist that the measures are necessary to ensure consumer safety. According to "Kommersant", Russia has considered the possibility of terminating gas contracts with Armenia if the country exits the EAEU and begins rapprochement with the EU.