(260530) -- ASTANA, May 30, 2026 (Xinhua) -- 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)
