Russia has warned Armenia that it could suspend or terminate agreements providing the South Caucasus nation with discounted oil and gas supplies if Yerevan continues its efforts to join the European Union.
The warning, issued by Moscow ahead of Armenia’s June 7 election, highlights growing tensions between the longtime allies as Armenia moves closer to Western institutions and partnerships.
According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, the Russian Embassy formally informed Armenian authorities that continued progress toward EU membership could have consequences for existing economic cooperation agreements.
Moscow Signals Possible End to Preferential Supplies
Zakharova said Russia had officially notified Armenia that advancing the EU accession process could lead to the suspension or unilateral termination of agreements covering the supply of natural gas, petroleum products and rough diamonds.
The announcement underscores the strategic importance of energy ties between the two countries.
Armenia, a landlocked nation of around three million people, remains heavily dependent on Russian energy imports. According to Interfax news agency data cited by Reuters, Armenia imported 2.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas last year, with 82% of that volume supplied by Russia.
In addition to energy links, Armenia hosts Russian military bases and has traditionally maintained close political and economic relations with Moscow.
Relations Have Deteriorated in Recent Years
Despite their longstanding partnership, ties between the two countries have become increasingly strained as Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government has sought stronger engagement with both the European Union and the United States.
Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern over Yerevan’s foreign policy direction. Earlier this month, Russian officials accused Armenia of being drawn into what they described as the European Union’s “anti-Russian orbit.”
The latest warning reflects Russia’s growing frustration over Armenia’s efforts to diversify its international partnerships and reduce its dependence on Moscow.
Western Engagement Intensifies
The dispute comes as Armenia continues to deepen cooperation with Western governments.
On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Yerevan and signed a strategic partnership agreement alongside Armenia’s foreign minister, marking another step in the country’s expanding relationship with Washington.
Armenia has also adopted legislation formally launching its process toward European Union accession, a move that has further heightened tensions with Russia.
The warning arrives less than two weeks before Armenia’s parliamentary election on June 7.
Opinion polls indicate that Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party holds a comfortable lead heading into the vote. The prime minister has pursued a warmer relationship with Western partners, a policy that has increasingly irritated Moscow.
