PAP Leader: Armenia`s EU aspirations create dilemma in relations with  Russia

ArmInfo. Armenia's EU aspirations create a dilemma in relations with Russia, something the Russian side has openly discussed. This is how Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader Gagik Tsarukyan responded to the concerns of residents of the Gegharkunik region amid the tightening of migration policies in Russia effective March 1, 2026. The PAP leader visited the region as  part of the election campaign for the upcoming parliamentary  elections on June 7.

Gegharkunik residents complained to Tsarukyan that, amid the  tightening of Russian migration laws, they have encountered numerous  problems, which is why they cannot leave for work in Russia as they  once did.  Meanwhile, Gegharkunik residents added, they continue to  face a lack of jobs in Armenia, and leaving for work in Russia is the  only way to support their families.

In this regard, the PAP leader recalled that today the European Union  is opposing Russia, while Armenia is building an alliance with the  EU. "Armenia is demonstrating its intention to join the EU. How else  can Russia respond under these circumstances? We are accommodating  its enemy, so Russia is telling Armenia to choose," Tsarukyan noted.

He also assured that solutions to these and other problems are  included in their election program, "Armenia's Proposal."

It should be noted that on February 10, 2026, Gagik Tsarukyan  announced that he would participate in the parliamentary elections  scheduled for June 7, 2026, with the "Armenia's Proposal" program.

It should be noted that on February 5, 2025, a law on the registry of  controlled persons, introducing the so- called "expulsion regime,"  came into effect in Russia. The latter provides for sanctions against  foreign citizens who violate residence regulations. Such individuals  are added to a registry, after which their bank accounts are frozen,  and all transactions are prohibited. Since March 1 of this year,  amendments have been made to the registry, under which foreign  citizens arriving in Russia may be added to the registry of  controlled persons and subject to deportation.

It should be added that on April 1, talks between the leaders of  Armenia and Russia took place in Moscow. 

The atmosphere was tense. The Russian President emphasized the  impossibility of Armenia simultaneously being a member of both the EU  and the Eurasian Economic Union. The Russian side, through Deputy  Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, made it clear that Armenia's  accession to the EU would lead to the cessation of air travel between  the two countries, as well as the severance of economic relations  between Yerevan and Moscow.