Russia issued an ultimatum to Armenia regarding the possibility of the country joining the European Union. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Armenia cannot simultaneously be a member of the European Union and the Eurasian Union, an economic bloc formed by countries of the former Soviet Union.
Putin also threatened that Russia could adjust its "trade and economic policies" towards Armenia if the country continues with its intention to approach the European Union.
This ultimatum comes in a context of growing tension between Russia and various countries that were previously part of the Soviet sphere of influence, as some of them seek to move closer to Western institutions such as the European Union and NATO.
