Shoigu stated that Yerevan understands the consequences of leaving the EAEU

The Armenian authorities realize that it will be extremely difficult for the republic without the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Russia. This was announced on June 3 by the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu.

According to the Secretary of the Security Council, Yerevan refuses to hold a referendum on membership in the EAEU due to concerns about European sponsors. Shoigu explained that if the Armenian population votes against leaving the union, the country's leadership will have to have an unpleasant conversation with representatives of the West.

"There is another motive, the understanding that without the EAEU and Russia, Armenia will have a hard time, to put it mildly. The Armenian authorities cannot help but realize that membership in the EAEU is an obvious benefit for Armenia," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

The Secretary of the Security Council recalled that over the 10 years of participation in the economic union, Armenia's GDP has almost tripled, from $10.5 billion to more than $29 billion. At the same time, the growth has been 40% in the last three years. He stressed that the EAEU market includes 185 million consumers, and, taking into account free trade agreements with partners, covers 700 million people.

Shoigu also cited data on financing from the European Union, noting that Brussels allocates insignificant amounts to Yerevan for projects that benefit it. In particular, €1.5 million is directed to the development of "independent media," which the Security Council secretary called supporting the EU's own propaganda.

Right to vote: Armenia will not be admitted to the European Union until 2030

Meanwhile, the inter-party struggle is intensifying in the country, and the central streets are filled with protesters.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on the same day that Russia was counting on Armenia's "historically correct choice" in the situation with the European Union (EU) and the Eurasian Economic Union. The diplomat expressed the hope that this choice would be in favor of deep and fraternal relations with Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on June 1 that the EAEU countries would work out all the nuances of Armenia's membership in the union by December. He added that the right structures and departments of the EAEU countries will submit reports to their leaders on the solution of this issue.