Lavrov Says Putin and Pashinyan Agreed to Discuss Armenia's EU Aspirations

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have agreed to discuss issues related to Yerevan's aspirations toward European Union membership, according to a report by the Russian state news agency TASS.

Lavrov was quoted as saying that Moscow does not intend to hinder Armenia from choosing its own partners and development paths, TASS reported.

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about Armenia's foreign policy orientation, as the South Caucasus nation has in recent years signaled interest in deepening ties with Western institutions, including the European Union, while maintaining its historical relationship with Russia.

TASS did not provide additional details in the excerpt regarding the specific format, timing, or agenda of the planned discussions between the two leaders on this matter.

Russia and Armenia have historically maintained close political, economic, and military ties, with Armenia being a member of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union. However, relations between Moscow and Yerevan have faced strains in recent years over various regional security issues.

This report is based on information published by TASS. Further details on the substance of the Putin-Pashinyan discussions were not immediately available.