A seemingly routine meeting of the Russia-dominated Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) descended into a rare moment of public discord on Thursday when two leaders engaged in an on-air confrontation. The incident disrupted the otherwise tightly scripted proceedings, highlighting the underlying tensions within the bloc.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with the heads of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, gathered at a resort near St. Petersburg for the summit. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, unable to attend in person after testing positive for COVID-19, joined via video link.
The meeting, which was intended to underscore the EAEU’s mission of fostering economic cooperation among its members, instead spotlighted divisions. The altercation began when Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, whose country is taking over the bloc’s rotating chairmanship from Armenia, extended an invitation to Pashinyan to attend the next summit in Belarus in person.
Pashinyan, who has been distancing Armenia from its traditional ties with Moscow in favour of closer relations with the West, responded firmly. He declined the invitation, stating his intention to attend via video link. Lukashenko pressed for an explanation and even offered to send a plane to transport the Armenian delegation to Minsk, the Belarusian capital.
The exchange grew increasingly heated when Pashinyan cited Armenia’s freeze on high-level visits to Belarus, a move prompted by Lukashenko’s overt support for Armenia’s regional rival, Azerbaijan. “I don’t think this is the right format for discussing these issues,” Pashinyan remarked pointedly, signalling his unwillingness to engage further on the matter during the summit.
However, Lukashenko persisted, prompting a sharp retort from Pashinyan. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the other leaders present remained silent observers, their expressions betraying little emotion as the exchange unfolded.
Signs of strain
The Eurasian Economic Union, established in 2014, was designed to strengthen trade and economic integration among its member states—Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Yet, over the years, the bloc has been plagued by internal disagreements, ranging from trade disputes to geopolitical tensions.
Pashinyan’s recent moves to shift Armenia’s alignment away from Moscow have added a new layer of complexity. His government’s efforts to forge closer ties with Western nations, alongside increasing discontent over Russia’s perceived lack of support during Armenia’s conflict with Azerbaijan, have strained relations within the union.
Belarus, under Lukashenko’s leadership, has leaned more firmly toward Moscow, particularly in the wake of Western sanctions over Lukashenko’s contested re-election and his government’s subsequent crackdown on dissent. This alignment has put Minsk at odds with Yerevan, as evidenced by Thursday’s exchange.
Broader implications
The spat between Pashinyan and Lukashenko is emblematic of the wider challenges facing the EAEU. While the union was envisioned as a platform to bolster economic ties, its members’ divergent political priorities and allegiances often undermine collective progress.
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Russia, as the dominant force within the bloc, has sought to use the EAEU to reinforce its influence over its neighbours. However, Moscow’s sway appears to be waning, with member states like Armenia seeking alternatives amid growing frustration with Russian policies.
Economic disputes also persist. Member nations frequently clash over issues such as tariffs, energy supplies, and market access, hindering the bloc’s ability to function as a cohesive economic unit.
A growing rift
Pashinyan’s assertion of Armenia’s stance at the summit reflects a broader regional realignment. With Moscow increasingly preoccupied with its war in Ukraine and the ensuing international isolation, countries like Armenia are exploring ways to reduce dependence on Russia. This shift is met with resistance from leaders like Lukashenko, who view such moves as threats to the bloc’s cohesion.
The incident underscores the fragility of the Eurasian Economic Union. While the bloc’s leaders strive to present a united front, moments like Thursday’s altercation reveal deep divisions that threaten to derail its objectives.
Moving forward
The discord at the summit is unlikely to be resolved easily. As Armenia continues to assert its independence in foreign policy, tensions with Belarus—and by extension, Moscow—are expected to persist. Meanwhile, the EAEU’s ability to serve as an effective platform for economic integration remains in question.
For now, the union appears caught between competing priorities: Russia’s desire to maintain dominance, member states’ pursuit of national interests, and a broader geopolitical landscape that is increasingly pulling its members in different directions.
