The regulatory and tariff systems governing cooperation within the EU and the EAEU are mutually exclusive, and in this case, the issue is not about political preferences. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made this statement during a briefing, commenting on the start of Armenia’s EU accession process.

Earlier, Armenia’s parliament approved in the first reading a bill launching the country’s EU membership talks. The initiative was supported by 63 lawmakers, all from the ruling faction, while seven MPs voted against it.

“Avoiding discussions on this issue, downplaying it, and ignoring such an important aspect means denying reality and, to some extent, possibly misleading those making the relevant decisions,” Zakharova said.

According to her, Armenia’s choice is sovereign, and Russia does not dispute it. However, it is Armenia’s current leadership—not Moscow or the EAEU—that bears the primary responsibility for explaining the full consequences of these steps to the public.

She emphasized the need for awareness, especially when making fateful decisions for the country. Zakharova believes that if Armenia’s current authorities in Yerevan are so committed to the Western model, they should initiate public discussions, including opinion polls or a referendum.