Astana (EFE).- Armenia will hold a referendum to decide its future alignment between the Russian led economic bloc or the European Union, following pressure from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday during the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit in Astana, which brought together the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as a representative from Armenia.
At a press conference, Putin warned, “That’s how the crisis in Ukraine began,” predicting a 14% drop in Armenia’s GDP due to rising prices for Russian oil and gas.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was absent, citing the upcoming Jun 7 elections, where he will seek reelection with support from Brussels and Washington.
According to independent press, Moscow is funding the opposition.
Russia seeks allies against Armenia
