Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko exchanged sharp remarks during a Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) summit on Thursday. Pashinyan participated via video link from Yerevan, citing a positive COVID-19 test as the reason for canceling his planned trip to Saint Petersburg.
Some Armenian critics questioned the official explanation, suggesting the decision was tied to Armenia’s strained relations with Russia. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not comment on Pashinyan’s absence or health during his opening remarks at the summit.
Lukashenko, known for his blunt rhetoric, made light of Pashinyan’s absence and recent clean-shaven appearance, saying, “We know you not only shaved your beard but also got a little sick. That’s why we perceive you as a new, young member of our union.”
Pashinyan responded firmly, reminding Lukashenko of his earlier declaration that neither he nor other Armenian officials would visit Belarus while Lukashenko remains in power. Lukashenko replied sarcastically, “What’s the problem? Is Minsk too far away, or do you lack transportation? We’ll arrange it if needed.” He added, “Maybe there won’t be TV sets for you to talk via video link.”
Unfazed, Pashinyan retorted, “No problem … I understand that you may be having issues with TV sets as well.”
Tensions between Armenia and Belarus have been simmering, exacerbated by Lukashenko’s pro-Azerbaijani remarks during a visit to Azerbaijan earlier this year. He admitted to being aware of and supporting Baku’s plans to retake Artsakh before the 2020 war. In response, Armenia recalled its ambassador from Minsk in June.
Lukashenko further stoked tensions in August, criticizing Armenia’s leadership for pursuing closer ties with the West. Moscow has similarly voiced displeasure over Armenia’s pro-Western foreign policy shift.
As part of this pivot, Pashinyan froze Armenia’s participation in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) earlier this year. However, he has stopped short of threatening to leave the EEU, recognizing Armenia’s economic reliance on Russia’s market and energy resources.
Despite Armenia holding the EEU’s rotating presidency, Pashinyan declined to host any summits, citing unwelcome attitudes from some member states’ leaders. While he did not name specific individuals, speculation points to either Putin or Lukashenko.
