Statement by leaders of 4 EAEU member states on Armenia

The leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan have called for Armenia to hold a nationwide referendum on its future relationship with the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), according to a joint statement published by the Kremlin following a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said they support the idea of Armenia holding a referendum “as soon as possible” to determine whether the country seeks membership in the European Union or wishes to remain within the Eurasian Economic Union.

“We share the position on the need to hold a nationwide referendum in the Republic of Armenia at the earliest possible date on accession to the European Union or continued membership in the Eurasian Economic Union,” the statement said.

The four leaders also announced that representatives of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council will prepare a report on the possible consequences of suspending the application of the EAEU Treaty with respect to Armenia. The report is expected to be presented at the next meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in December 2026.

According to the statement, Armenia’s preparations for closer integration with the European Union pose significant risks to the economic security of EAEU member states.

The leaders said the planned assessment is necessary in light of “substantial risks to the economic security of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union arising from the Republic of Armenia’s preparations for accession to the European Union,” as well as the need to prevent potential economic damage to other members of the bloc.