Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected a Russian demand to hold an immediate referendum on leaving the Eurasian Economic Union in favor of closer ties with the European Union.

The request, made amid rising tensions with Moscow, comes as Russia increases political and economic pressure on Armenia ahead of upcoming elections.

Pashinyan said any such referendum would be premature, stressing that Armenia will remain in the EAEU until a formal and realistic choice is required.

Russia has responded with measures including trade restrictions and diplomatic pressure, while warning against Armenia’s Western pivot, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Despite this, Armenia has continued to strengthen ties with the EU and other Western partners, reflecting a broader shift away from its traditional alignment with Moscow.