Russia increases pressure on Armenia ahead of elections

Russia is increasing pressure on Armenia ahead of elections this Sunday (7), as the once close ally seeks to deepen ties with Brussels and Washington.

Distracted by the war in Ukraine, Russia is trying to keep Armenia in its orbit, but Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly criticized Moscow as he tries to chart a path toward the West.

See below some of the trade restrictions and warnings issued by Russia in the run-up to the vote, which pits Pashinyan's Civil Contract party against a range of opposition voices, many of them pro-Russia.

- Gas: Armenia bought 82% of its gas from Russia in 2025, and Russian President Vladimir Putin told Pashinyan on April 1 that he was paying $177.5 for 1,000 cubic meters of gas, while the same volume would cost more than $600 in Europe. "The disparity is enormous, the difference is substantial," Putin said. On May 27, Russia's Foreign Ministry said it had warned Armenia that it would suspend or end supplies of cheap oil, gas and rough diamonds if Yerevan moved forward in its bid to join the European Union.
- Suspension of the bloc: The Eurasian Economic Union, led by Russia and offering a barrier-free single market for five former Soviet republics, said on May 29 that it would consider suspending Armenia for seeking membership to the European Union and urged the country to hold a referendum so that its people could vote on which path to take. A suspension would cause immediate shocks to the Armenian economy. Russia accounted for about 35% of Armenia's foreign trade in 2025, while the EU accounted for approximately 11%, according to government statistics cited by Armenian media.
- Fresh produce: Russia imposed temporary restrictions on imports of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens and fresh strawberries from Armenia from May 30 due to alleged phytosanitary concerns, according to the Russian agricultural watchdog. The agency also imposed new restrictions, valid from June 2, on different types of fruit, including cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines and grapes. Russia is by far the largest market for Armenian fresh produce.
- Fish: Russia requested Armenia to suspend certification for the Russian market for all but two Armenian fish exporters from June 2 due to alleged non-compliances in inspections of fish processing facilities.
- Alcohol: On May 23, the Russian consumer safety body informed Russian retailers and importers to suspend the sale of certain wines and cognacs considered "inferior" produced by three Armenian companies, the Interfax news agency reported.
- Flowers: On May 22, Russia imposed temporary restrictions on Armenian floral products while its agricultural watchdog carried out tests to prevent the spread of diseases or plant pests, the state agency TASS reported.
- Mineral water: Russia temporarily suspended the import of some "Jermuk" mineral water products on April 28 after the watchdog's consumer safety point out irregularities in labeling.

Source: CNN