Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed calls from Moscow for the country to hold a referendum on joining the European Union, saying Armenia’s relations with Russia are currently undergoing a “transformation phase.”

The Kremlin had intensified pressure on Armenia over its growing ties with Brussels ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, including imposing a ban on fish imports from the country. The move followed warnings from President Vladimir Putin, who cautioned that the “Ukrainian scenario” began with Ukraine’s EU ambitions.

The European Union has accused Russia of attempting to undermine Armenia’s economy and influence the outcome of its elections.

Armenia, a former Soviet republic, has long maintained close ties with Russia. However, tensions have grown in recent years as Yerevan has sought to diversify its alliances following what it views as Moscow’s lack of support during conflicts with neighbouring Azerbaijan.

Speaking in a video message on social media, Pashinyan said Armenia’s relationship with Russia was evolving and expressed hope for “new relations” that would be “successful because our ties with Russia are open and sincere.”

He added that there was no justification for an EU referendum unless Armenia formally applied for membership or moved closer to candidate status.

Putin had earlier urged Armenia to hold a referendum “as soon as possible,” insisting that membership in both the EU and the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union would be impossible.

Russian and Armenian officials said the two leaders spoke by phone on Monday, during which they discussed outcomes from a recent EEU summit in Kazakhstan. The Kremlin also confirmed that Putin conveyed birthday wishes to Pashinyan.

Tensions have further escalated after Russia’s agricultural watchdog imposed a ban on Armenian fish imports, with Armenia exporting around 30 percent of its fish to Russia.

Over the weekend, Moscow also recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, signalling a growing strain in relations amid Armenia’s deepening engagement with Western institutions.

Despite the friction, Armenia remains a member of the EEU, although relations with Russia have deteriorated since Azerbaijan’s 2023 military offensive. Armenia hosted its first EU summit last month, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders.