Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Saturday, May 10, 2026, that the conflict in Ukraine is nearing its conclusion. The declaration followed the annual Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square, an event commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany that notably excluded heavy weaponry for the first time in nearly two decades.
Speaking to reporters after the commemorations, Putin accused Western nations of fueling the conflict by arming Kyiv. He maintained his long-standing narrative that Western powers are the primary instigators of the war, framing the hostilities as a struggle against external interference.
Beyond the battlefield, the Russian leader utilized the post-parade press conference to address Armenia’s shifting geopolitical trajectory. Putin warned that Armenia could face a "Ukraine scenario" if it continues to pursue deeper integration with the European Union, a path Yerevan has formally explored since its parliament initiated accession legislation in 2025.
Drawing a direct parallel between the two nations, Putin stated, "We are now experiencing everything that is happening in the Ukrainian direction. But where did it all begin? With Ukraine’s accession or attempts to join the EU." He claimed these historical developments in Ukraine eventually led to "the coup d’état, the Crimean story, the position of southeastern Ukraine and military actions."
To resolve the growing friction, Putin suggested that Armenia should hold a national referendum on its future relations with the European Union and Russia as early as possible. He argued that such a vote would allow Moscow to reach "appropriate conclusions" regarding its role as Armenia’s primary economic partner and facilitate what he described as a "soft, intelligent and mutually beneficial separation."
Putin further proposed that Armenia’s EU ambitions be discussed during a future summit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The Moscow-led economic bloc includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia.
These comments arrive amid heightened tensions between the Kremlin and the administration of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenia has increasingly criticized the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) over security failures in the South Caucasus, leading to a cooling of diplomatic relations. In March 2025, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk signaled that Moscow would reconsider its economic ties with Yerevan if the EU integration process continued, underscoring the pressure on Armenia to choose between the Eurasian bloc and European political structures.
