Russia announced that it would stop supplying cheap oil and gas to Armenia if the country continues its efforts to join the European Union. This warning came just before the June 7 election, where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party leads in the polls. Maria Zakharova from the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that a letter had been sent officially warning of the suspension of agreements on the supply of natural gas, petroleum, and diamonds if Armenia proceeds with EU membership.
Armenia, a landlocked nation of about 3 million people, has historically been close to Russia, relying heavily on it for energy—importing 2.7 billion cubic meters of gas last year, with 82% from Russia. However, relations have weakened as Armenia has sought closer ties with the West. Recently, U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Yerevan and signed a strategic partnership agreement, alongside Armenia’s law to begin the EU accession process.
With information from Reuters
