The State Duma spoke about the risks for Armenia in leaving the EAEU

Armenia's withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) could cost it at least $5 billion or 15-20% of GDP. This was announced on May 16 by Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin.

"According to experts, Armenia's withdrawal from the EAEU may cost it 15-20% of GDP, at least $5 billion," he wrote on his Telegram channel.

Volodin stated that Russia accounts for 25% of Armenia's exports. He emphasizes that amid talks about Armenia's aspirations to join the European Union, trade turnover with Russia fell by 45.4% in 2025.

According to him, in addition to access to a large sales market, the country received benefits in the energy sector. In particular, Moscow supplies energy resources to Yerevan at a lower price than to Europe.

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On the same day, Volodin stated that Western liberal values could lead to a split in Armenian society and a loss of unity. According to the speaker, there are attempts in the republic to rewrite history and undermine traditional foundations. He noted that the Armenian people are being inculcated with an alien ideology, as well as persecuting the church.

On May 15, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pointed to attempts by the European Union to draw Armenia into its orbit, which risks Yerevan losing its current privileges within the EAEU. According to him, the best opportunity to honestly discuss emerging issues will appear at the end of May 2026 in Kazakhstan at the summit of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.