Putin and Pashinyan discuss Armenia's geopolitical future in Bishkek

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, where they addressed Armenia's strategic direction. Putin warned that Armenia cannot indefinitely maintain membership in both the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union and pursue European Union integration due to conflicting regulatory systems. He also stated that Russia could withdraw its 102nd Military Base from Gyumri if Armenia deemed it unnecessary, marking a significant shift in rhetoric around a cornerstone of Armenia's security architecture. Pashinyan acknowledged that Armenia will eventually need to make a definitive choice between economic blocs but argued the moment has not yet arrived. The meeting underscored tensions over Armenia's diversification strategy and raised questions about what would replace Russian military protection if Moscow withdrew.