In a surprising turn of events during a high-stakes meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), tensions erupted between two member nations, revealing the underlying fractures within this Russia-dominated economic bloc. The meeting, held at a resort near St. Petersburg, was intended to foster solidarity among former Soviet states, but a heated exchange between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan turned the affair controversial.

The gathering included key leaders from the EEU, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with representatives from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. However, Pashinyan, who joined the meeting via video link after testing positive for COVID-19, found himself at the center of a verbal confrontation.

Lukashenko, who was assuming the rotating chairmanship from Armenia, suggested that Pashinyan should travel to Belarus for the next meeting. But Pashinyan was quick to reject the proposal, stating he would only attend remotely, sparking Lukashenko's insistence and further questions about his decision.

The root of their disagreement stems from Armenia's strained relationship with Belarus, particularly due to Lukashenko's overt support for Azerbaijan, Armenia's long-standing adversary. Pashinyan firmly reminded Lukashenko of his previous decision to limit diplomatic visits to Belarus, asserting that the current meeting was not an appropriate venue for discussing such sensitive matters.

As the confrontation escalated, Pashinyan's frustrated remarks prompted a cold silence from Putin and the other leaders present, highlighting the challenge of maintaining unity within a coalition increasingly marked by divergent interests.

The EEU, created to bolster economic ties and streamline trade among its members, is grappling with many internal disputes characterized by competing geopolitical allegiances and diverging economic priorities. As the union celebrates its tenth anniversary, this altercation raises questions about its future viability amid growing tensions and shifts in alignment among its member states.

As this drama unfolds, analysts are closely watching how the EEU navigates its internal conflicts and whether it can emerge as a cohesive economic force or if these divisions will ultimately hinder its progress. Stay tuned for more developments on this story as it continues to evolve!