A RIA Novosti study revealed significant differences in car affordability across Russian regions. The worst situation is observed in the North Caucasus republics, where only a small proportion of families can afford to purchase and maintain a new car on credit.
The President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan signed a law on the start of the country's accession process to the European Union. Earlier, the Russian authorities have repeatedly stated that such an intention means Yerevan's withdrawal from the EAEU.
"The Republic of Armenia, striving to develop democratic institutions, improve the welfare of society, strengthen security, sustainability and the rule of law, announces the start of the process of the Republic of Armenia's accession to the European Union," the document signed by the country's president says.
In early January, the government of the country approved the law on Armenia's accession to the EU, and in late March - the parliament. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that if the law is adopted, "it does not mean Armenia's membership in the European Union in the literal sense of the word" - the final decision, according to him, can only be made through a referendum.
Moscow recently warned again that membership in the EU and the EAEU at the same time is impossible. Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Mikhail Galuzin emphasized that Armenia must choose one of these paths.
“We hope that all the benefits of membership in the EAEU and the scale of losses from breaking with the EAEU will be explained to Armenian society so that Armenian society has an objective understanding of reality,” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mikhail Galuzin.