Speaking at a press conference in Astana on 29 May, Putin said the economic implications of such a move should be carefully assessed, News.Az reports, citing News Armenia.
He compared recent economic growth trends in Russia and the European Union, stating that Russia recorded GDP growth of 4.1% in 2023, 4.9% in 2024 and around 1% in 2025, amounting to 10.3% over three years.
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By contrast, he said EU growth stood at -0.4% in 2023, 1.1% in 2024 and 1.5% in 2025.
Putin also highlighted economic performance within the EAEU, stating that the bloc recorded growth of 4.3% in 2023, 5% in 2024 and 1.7% in 2025, amounting to 11.4% over the three-year period.
