Putin warns Armenia: EU ties could cost you cheap Russian energy

President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to Armenia, stating that its pursuit of European Union membership could lead to the loss of preferential access to Russian oil and gas. This declaration precedes Armenia's upcoming parliamentary election, where polls indicate a likely victory for the party of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who favors closer ties with the West.

Putin's threat is not without weight, given Armenia's significant dependence on Moscow. Russia has historically been a key energy supplier and a close political ally to the landlocked nation of 3 million people. Moscow has previously demonstrated its leverage by imposing temporary bans on key Armenian exports before elections, highlighting the potential economic consequences of Yerevan's geopolitical shifts.

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Of course, we are deeply concerned about the Armenian authorities’ policy of rapprochement with the Euro-Atlantic community whose core policy is directed against Moscow.

The Russian leader's warning reflects a broader strategy by Moscow to counter growing Western influence. As Russia dedicates substantial resources to the conflict in Ukraine, it is increasingly engaged in a global effort to preserve its geopolitical standing. The European Union and the United States are actively courting traditional Russian allies and exerting pressure on Moscow's interests across various regions, from Latin America to Central Asia and even parts of Africa.

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, expressed deep concern over Armenia's policy of rapprochement with the Euro-Atlantic community, which she described as being directed against Moscow. Russian analysts and war bloggers suggest that Moscow perceives a concerted Western effort to diminish its influence in the South Caucasus region, with Armenia being a focal point. Some sources close to the Russian government indicate that countries like Armenia are closely observing the outcome of the war in Ukraine while simultaneously exploring new alliances. Armenia's decision to host a meeting of European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was reportedly seen as a significant provocation by Moscow, leading to subsequent trade restrictions.

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The Anglo-Saxons are openly boasting about 'detaching' Armenia, as they say, from the bear hug of 'authoritarian Russia'.