Putin Warns Armenia of Higher Tariffs and Work Restrictions Amid EAEU Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to Armenia, threatening to raise tariffs on railway transportation and energy supplies if the country chooses to leave the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Speaking during a press conference following the EAEU summit in Astana on May 29, Putin underscored the potential economic consequences for Armenia should it pivot towards European Union standards.

"If Armenia starts adopting EU standards, we will have to end our entire economic integration with them," Putin stated. "Who will they supply their products to? What will happen to Armenian wine? We will have to increase tariffs on railway transportation and raise energy prices." Additionally, he mentioned that Armenian citizens would be required to obtain work permits to be employed in Russia.

Geopolitical Pressure and Economic Leverage

Putin drew a parallel with Ukraine, suggesting that Ukraine's crisis began with attempts to join the EU. He emphasized that the EAEU is urging Armenia to hold a referendum on its membership status promptly.

"The Eurasian Union requests Armenia to conduct a referendum on its membership as soon as possible," Putin said.

Earlier that day, leaders of the EAEU member states—Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan—issued a joint statement demanding Armenia hold a referendum to choose between joining the EU or maintaining EAEU membership. This demand comes amid growing signs of Armenia’s inclination towards closer ties with the EU, intensifying Moscow’s efforts to keep Armenia within its sphere of influence.

In the same press conference, Putin dismissed European Union claims that Russia is preparing for a war against the EU as "nonsense and lies." He sharply criticized media reports on such topics, describing them as instruments of misinformation. To emphasize his point, Putin cited a phrase often misattributed historically, claiming that "the more incredible the lie, the faster they will believe it," attributing it to Josef Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister. However, this phrase actually originates from Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf, published in the mid-1920s.

Russia’s recent actions underscore rising pressure on Armenia ahead of its parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7. The Russian agricultural watchdog has already banned imports of several Armenian products, including mineral water, vegetables, and brandy. Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Energy has threatened to terminate duty-free agreements on oil products, natural gas, and rough diamonds supplied to Armenia.

Russian officials have repeatedly asserted that Armenia cannot simultaneously maintain membership in both the EU and the EAEU, framing the choice as mutually exclusive. These developments highlight the intensifying geopolitical contest for influence over Armenia and the broader South Caucasus region.