Putin — Pashinyan: The decision is yours, but pro-Russian politicians should be allowed to vote

Russia is not going to interfere in the election campaign in Armenia, but in Moscow would very much like pro-Russian politicians and parties to take part in it. This was announced today, April 1, by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who arrived in the Kremlin.

"There are many political forces (in Armenia) that are pro-Russian. Of course, I will tell you quite frankly, we have such a dialogue that we always speak honestly and directly with you, we would very much like all these political parties and politicians to be able to take part in this domestic political work during the elections. Some, I know, are in prison, despite the fact that they have a Russian passport. This is your decision, we do not interfere," Putin said during the Russian-Armenian talks.

The parties discussed economic cooperation, separately touching upon the topic of the republic's interaction with the European Union.

"We are absolutely calm about this, we understand that any country is looking for maximum benefits from cooperation with third countries, but it should be obvious, it should be honest, it should be said in advance, as they say, on the shore. Being in the customs union with the European Union and the EAEU is impossible. This is simply impossible by definition," Putin warned.

He recalled that even before the Ukrainian crisis, Moscow tried to negotiate with the Europeans, but they themselves took too tough a position even on the smallest issues. In addition, Putin drew the attention of the Armenian prime minister to the big difference in the price of Russian and European gas.

"Today, you know that gas prices in Europe go through the roof for $ 600 per thousand cubic meters, and Russia sells gas to Armenia for $ 177.5."

Putin positively assessed the stabilization of relations between Yerevan and Baku.

"Today, thanks to your efforts and the efforts of the President of Azerbaijan, I think we have managed to stabilize relations. And the US president took an active part in this."

Pashinyan, for his part, expressed hope that Armenia will soon be able to export goods to Russia through Azerbaijan.

"This, of course, strengthens our economic ties. This strengthens our ties within the EAEU."

Putin agreed that trade relations between Russia and Armenia are developing at a good pace: the trade turnover in 2025 amounted to $ 6.4 billion, and Yerevan's exports to the EAEU countries have increased tenfold in recent years.

He recalled that in Over 2 million Armenians live in Russia. The situation in Karabakh remains one of the sensitive issues. In this regard, Putin urged Pashinin to look for further ways to strengthen relations with Azerbaijan, while it is better not to focus on disagreements in domestic politics, especially during the election campaign.

"I think it's equally obvious that after you're in In Prague in 2022, it was recognized that Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan, and it was simply completely incorrect for the CSTO to interfere in this process, which has acquired an intra-Azerbaijani dimension."

Pashinyan assured that Armenia will not continue the movement for reunification with Karabakh: peace has already been established, and both republics have mutually recognized their territorial integrity. As for relations with Russia, they, according to him, are very deep and non-negotiable.

"Of course, I would like to thank you once again for the support I have always felt in the process of establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan."