Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan adopted an assertive tone during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 1, with sharp differences emerging over elections, security ties and Armenia’s geopolitical direction.

Speaking at a joint press conference in the Kremlin, both leaders sought to emphasise continued cooperation, but their remarks revealed underlying tensions in the relationship between the traditional allies.

Ahead of Armenia’s June general election, Putin pointing to the presence of pro-Russian figures who, he said, should be allowed to participate fully in the country’s political life.

“In Armenia we have many friends, many, we know that. Many Armenians live in the Russian Federation… we consider it more than 2 million people,” Putin said. “And there are many political forces that have a pro-Russian position.”

He added: “We would very much like all these political parties, political figures to be able to participate in this internal political work during the elections. Some, I know, are in places of detention, despite the fact that they have a Russian passport. That is your decision, we do not interfere, but we would like them to be able to participate, at least, in this internal political process.”

Pashinyan pushed back firmly, underlining Armenia’s democratic credentials. “As for our domestic political processes… Armenia is a democratic country, and we almost always have political processes,” he said. “In fact, twice a year we hold municipal elections… I want to say that we have citizens who think that there is too much democracy in Armenia. But this is a matter of principle for us.”

He added that “social networks are 100% free in our country, there are no restrictions at all”. 

Directly addressing Putin’s remarks, Pashinyan said: “To be honest, we do not have participants in political processes in places of detention.”

He also drew a constitutional red line on foreign citizenship: “Only those citizens who have exclusively Armenian passports can participate in these elections… with all due respect, but persons with Russian passports… cannot be either candidates for deputies or candidates for prime minister.”

Balancing act between EU and Russia

Differences also surfaced over Armenia’s deepening ties with the European Union, an issue Moscow has watched closely.

Putin struck a pragmatic but cautionary tone. “We see that Armenia is discussing developing relations with the European Union. We are completely calm about this,” he said. “We understand that any country seeks maximum benefits from cooperation with third countries.”

However, he warned: “Being in a customs union with the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union is impossible. It is simply impossible by definition… this isn’t even a political issue, but a purely economic one.”

Pashinyan acknowledged the incompatibility but suggested Yerevan would continue to navigate both tracks for as long as possible.

“As long as it’s possible to combine these agendas, we will do so,” he said. “And when processes develop to the point where a decision must be made, I am confident that the citizens of the Republic of Armenia will accept it.”

At the same time, he sought to reassure Moscow: “Our relations with the Russian Federation have never been and never will be in question, because these ties and relations are very deep and non-negotiable.”

Putin also highlighted Russia’s economic role as a trade partner for Armenia and particularly in energy supplies.

“The price of gas in Europe exceeds $600 per 1,000 cubic meters, and Russia sells gas to Armenia for $177.5,” he said. “The difference is big. The difference is significant.”

The comment appeared aimed at reinforcing the tangible benefits of Armenia’s partnership with Russia at a time when Pashinyan has said Yerevan will seek closer ties with the EU. 

CSTO tensions remain unresolved

Longstanding disagreements over Armenia’s relationship with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) also resurfaced. Armenia has frozen its membership of the organisation and taken steps to formally withdraw after Yerevan failed to secure CSTO support during fighting with Azerbaijan in 2022. 

Putin linked the bloc’s inaction during recent regional crises to Armenia’s own political decisions, particularly its recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

“After you accepted in Prague in 2022 that Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan, the CSTO’s intervention… was simply absolutely wrong,” he said.

Pashinyan, however, reiterated his government’s frustration with the alliance. “We have never hidden our problems with the CSTO,” he said. “In 2022 we had a specific situation… and, in my opinion, the CSTO mechanisms should have been activated, but they were not activated.”

He added that Armenia has effectively suspended participation in the bloc’s activities: “We are not currently participating in the work of the CSTO for a simple reason: we are still unable to explain to our people… why the CSTO did not respond, despite the obligations that exist.”

Despite the pointed exchanges, both leaders stopped short of signalling a rupture. Instead, the meeting highlighted a relationship under strain, as Armenia seeks greater autonomy in foreign and domestic policy while Russia emphasises the benefits of alignment. The public airing of disagreements, however, suggested a shift in tone, with Pashinyan more openly challenging Moscow on issues that have long simmered beneath the surface.