Pashinyan to Visit Russia for First Time Since Armenia Elections

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is set to visit Russia for the first time since his country's parliamentary elections on June 7. The visit, confirmed by the Russian government, will see Pashinyan attend the "Innoprom" industrial exhibition in Yekaterinburg. He is scheduled to meet with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during the event.

This trip marks a significant moment in Armenian-Russian relations, which have been strained in recent months. Previously, Mishustin and Pashinyan held a phone call initiated by Armenia, discussing trade and economic cooperation. Pashinyan had also expressed intentions to meet with the Russian president.

However, the backdrop to this visit is complex. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously warned that closer integration between Armenia and the European Union could lead to the termination of free trade agreements and other benefits Armenia receives as part of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Russia also cautioned Armenia about the potential denunciation of a 2013 gas agreement.

Further complicating matters, Armenia recently signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with the United States. This move drew sharp criticism from Moscow, particularly after Armenia hosted an EU summit. In response to Armenia's perceived pivot towards Europe, Russia has implemented trade restrictions, with Rosselkhoznadzor blocking imports of flowers and other "quarantined products" such as eggplants, fish, cognac, and wine.