Russian Duma chair Vyacheslav Volodin has urged Armenia not to pursue a ‘deceitful policy’ and questioned why Armenia continues to benefit from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) despite having adopted a law stating its intention to join the EU.

On Wednesday, Yerevan and Moscow exchanged criticism over Armenia’s EU ambitions. Parliamentary Speaker Ruben Rubinyan responded to Russian comments that came after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced plans to formally apply for EU membership.

Rubinyan denied the accusations from Volodin, who added that it was ‘cynical’ and ‘deceitful’ of Armenia to seek EU membership while remaining part of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

‘If Armenia adopts a law intending to join the European Union, why are you taking advantage of the EAEU? Why are you deceiving its members?’, said  Volodin on Russian state TV.

Volodin added that Armenia is free to go towards the EU but shouldn’t expect ‘preferential treatment’ from Russia.

Rubinyan responded that it is Russia, not Armenia, that is causing the division when talking about the EU referendum.

‘We are not the ones doing anything to undermine relations with Russia. On the contrary, we have been doing everything to ensure normal, friendly relations’, said Rubinyan.

In May and June, Moscow imposed export restrictions on Armenian goods, as part of what appeared to be a pressure campaign against Pashinyan, as well as an expression of the Kremlin’s dissatisfaction with Armenia’s moves towards EU integration. On Monday, Pashinyan said that a referendum would only come after Armenia formally applies to the EU and receives a roadmap.

The exchange is the latest development in the months-long dispute between Yerevan and Moscow regarding Armenia’s EU ambitions, which is escalating again after Pashinyan presented the government’s five-year plan and foreign policy priorities. Unlike in previous years, the plan downgraded the language used to describe bilateral relations with Russia, particularly compared to the more positive language used for the EU, the US, and other partners. Pashinyan has also said that Armenia is expected to submit its official EU membership application ‘in the near future’.