Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, demanded an end to Moscow's restrictions on Armenian exports.
According to a statement from the Armenian government, Pashinyan said that Russia's trade bans violate agreements between the two countries and the rules of the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Pashinyan's office stated that he asked for measures to resolve the issue and that they are ready to settle disputes through dialogue.
The Kremlin said that Putin told Pashinyan that the proposal for EU membership should be put to a referendum as soon as possible.
Relations between Russia and Armenia have been strained as Yerevan deepens its ties with the West. Moscow temporarily banned the import of a range of products from Armenia last month, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish and alcoholic beverages.
Armenia is heavily dependent on Russia for energy supplies, while Russia accounted for about 35 percent of Armenia's foreign trade last year. Moscow warns that Armenia could be suspended from the EAEU if it proceeds with EU membership.