We don't need Russia — Pashinyan promises Armenians untold riches

Armenia is not afraid of rising commodity prices in the event of a deterioration in ties with Russia, as it intends to get rich by turning the country into a "crossroads of the world." This was stated by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to voters at a pre-election meeting in the city of Garni.

"It is illogical to threaten Armenia, for example, with high prices, because there is an answer to threats with high prices: we will have a lot more money, so much so that it does not seem expensive to us. Today Armenia is becoming a "crossroads of the world" — this means that Armenia will become a country not of thousands and millions, but of billions and trillions," he said.

Earlier, Russia warned Armenia about the possible suspension or termination of the agreement on the supply of gas, petroleum products and rough diamonds if the country continues the process of joining the EU. According to the agreement signed between Armenia and In 2013, Russia supplied Armenia with gas, oil products and rough diamonds without export duties and on preferential terms related to domestic consumption. In case of accession to the EU, these preferences for Armenia will cease.

On March 26, 2025, the Armenian Parliament adopted a law on the beginning of the process of the republic's accession to the European Union. As stated by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, Russia considers these actions as the beginning of the republic's withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union. Joining the EU is incompatible with the country's membership in the EAEU, Moscow emphasizes.