Pashinyan's visit to Yekaterinburg demonstrated Armenia's dependence on the Russian market.

Nikol Pashinyan's trip to Yekaterinburg confirmed that Armenia cannot sever economic ties with Russia and the EAEU, but did not eliminate the distrust between Yerevan and Moscow against the backdrop of the Armenian authorities' rhetoric about the country's accession to the European Union, analysts believe.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", the Rosselkhoznadzor introduced temporary restrictions on the import of flowers from Armenia starting May 22, 2026, and from May 30, on fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, greens, and strawberries. In addition, the import of all batches of Armenian mineral water "Jermuk" and several brandies and wines into Russia was halted, and the import of fish from Armenia was significantly restricted. From June 2, the Rosselkhoznadzor extended the ban on fresh grapes and stone fruits, including cherries and sweet cherries, and from June 3 - on potatoes, eggplants, as well as pome fruits and dried fruits.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in Yekaterinburg on July 6 for a working visit, where he met with the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, the Armenian Prime Minister's website reported.

"This meeting is a very good opportunity to discuss the entire range of our relations agenda. And after the elections, a good opportunity, as they say, to synchronize watches," Pashinyan's words are quoted in the publication.

Nikol Pashinyan made the trip to Yekaterinburg without an invitation and a reception appropriate for a head of state, noted a member of the board of the Armenian Republican Party Artak Zakaryan. In his opinion, Pashinyan's participation in the "Innoprom" exhibition did not eliminate the distrust between Moscow and Yerevan.

"Rather, this is a demonstration of a managed dialogue after tensions, where the main message is that Armenia cannot sever economic ties with Russia and the EAEU. This is not a breakthrough or normalization, because, in my opinion, Pashinyan's visit did not eliminate the existing distrust between Moscow and Yerevan. Russia does not want Armenia to get closer to the EU, while this process is gaining momentum, intertwining and opposing numerous regional interests," Zakaryan's words were quoted today by Arminfo.info.

In Yekaterinburg, both Armenia and Russia showed that they are not interested in a complete break in relations, he continued. "This is not bad for a start, but much more is needed for continuation," Zakaryan believes.

Pashinyan's statements during the election campaign about reorienting exports from Russia to Europe should be perceived in an electoral context, political scientist Ara Poghosyan believes. "Therefore, products intended for export to Europe must primarily meet European standards. In addition, an important advantage of the Russian market is the presence of a large Armenian diaspora, which has been integrated into the Russian business environment for many years," his words were quoted by Aysor.am.

It should be noted that the Armenian government supported the idea of holding a referendum on joining the European Union, while Pashinyan urged not to make hasty steps. The press secretary of the President of Russia reminded that it is not possible to be a member of both the European Union and the EAEU at the same time. EU standards imply joining anti-Russian sanctions, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated. Combining Armenia's course towards rapprochement with the EU and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union "is impossible in principle," Vladimir Putin stated at a meeting with Nikol Pashinyan in the Kremlin. He also stated that in Moscow they "would like" to allow all pro-Russian political forces to participate in the parliamentary elections in Armenia.