Russia appears to have set a deadline for Armenia, after which it may take a much tougher stance

The phone conversation between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the subsequent exchange of statements, indicate that the existing problems are not only unresolved but are continuing to deepen, according to RPA member Tigran Abrahamyan.

“If the Armenian authorities are trying to move toward confrontation discreetly, Moscow is openly raising the stakes.

Two things are becoming increasingly clear. First, Moscow is seeking to place the issue of a referendum in Armenia on the agenda, framing the choice as one between the EU and the EAEU.

Second, Russia appears to have given Armenia a deadline to respond to the questions it has raised, after which it may adopt a much tougher approach.

Amid all the concerns and numerous threats, the most troubling aspect, at least for now, is that ordinary citizens are bearing the consequences of this escalating confrontation,” he said.