Russian President Vladimir Putin (1st R) speaks during a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, May 29, 2026. The presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia said Friday that Armenia should hold a nationwide referendum as soon as possible on whether to join the European Union (EU) or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Armenia's preparations for joining the EU pose "significant risks to the economic security" of EAEU member states, the leaders said in a joint statement published by the Kremlin. (Kremlin Press Office/Handout via Xinhua)

MOSCOW, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia said Friday that Armenia should hold a nationwide referendum as soon as possible on whether to join the European Union (EU) or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Armenia's preparations for joining the EU pose "significant risks to the economic security" of EAEU member states, the leaders said in a joint statement published by the Kremlin.

The four leaders noted the need to prevent the associated damage to the bloc's members, adding that the representatives in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council would present a report in December 2026 on the possible consequences of suspending the EAEU treaty for Armenia.

In early May, Armenia and the EU signed a connectivity partnership deal and pledged to strengthen economic and security cooperation at their first-ever summit held in the Armenian capital, Yerevan. The partnership covers transport, energy and digital infrastructure and aligns with the EU's Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda and Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" initiative.

Aimed at regional economic integration, the EAEU was founded by Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia in May 2014 and joined by Armenia and Kyrgyzstan in 2015. ■