Armenia Has Definitively Turned Away From Russia And Toward Europe

• 30.08.2026, 12:55

Russian influence in Yerevan has been completely eliminated.

Armenia is preparing to apply for EU membership and may present Russia with a bill for $2 billion.

This was reported by the press service of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.

Armenian authorities announced the start of the process of submitting an official application for membership in the European Union. Intelligence officials called this the final stage of Yerevan’s pivot from Moscow toward Europe.

Prior to this, Russia imposed restrictions on imports of Armenian apricots, sweet cherries, fish, “Dzhermuk” mineral water, and cognac. However, rather than making concessions, Armenia began seeking new markets, and the EU allocated tens of millions of dollars to the country as part of its “Growth Plan.”

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the paralysis of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) due to Russia’s actions could mark the beginning of the end for the EAEU.

According to the SVRU, if Moscow attempts to exert pressure by raising gas prices, Yerevan could bill it approximately $2 billion for hosting Russia’s 102nd military base and for the management of Armenia’s railways.

A peace agreement with Azerbaijan, the opening of borders with Turkey, and progress toward EU membership effectively deprive Russia of its main levers of influence over Armenia.

Armenia Has Turned Its Back on Russia

As a reminder, Armenia recently removed Russia from its list of strategic allies. In the Armenian government’s approved program for 2026–2031, the Russian Federation is not mentioned as a strategic ally.

We previously reported that Armenia will soon officially apply for EU membership. Pashinyan clarified that a nationwide referendum on European integration will take place after a roadmap is agreed upon with Brussels.