Russian President Vladimir Putin said Armenia’s move toward European Union membership effectively means the country intends to leave the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), arguing that membership in both blocs is not possible.

Putin made the remarks during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

“Dear Nikol Vovaevich, we will have a discussion now. I always enjoy discussing any topic with you, including this one. But I will have to disagree with you on the main issue,” Putin said.

Putin noted that Pashinyan had said Armenia had not announced its withdrawal from the EAEU.

“But, the adoption of a law initiating the procedure for joining another economic organization effectively amounts to an announcement of withdrawal from ours,” the Russian president said.

“Membership in both of them is impossible, that's where the problem lies,” Putin stressed.