Russia ratchets up pressure on Armenia ahead of June election

Russia is ratcheting up pressure on Armenia as the South Caucasus nation approaches a June 7 parliamentary election, with Moscow sharply criticizing Yerevan's deepening ties with the European Union. Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that while Moscow considers Armenia a "natural partner," its current approach to diversifying external relations "can hardly be called balanced at all." She accused Western capitals of waging a "hybrid war" against Russia and aiming for a "strategic defeat."

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These very same Western capitals have declared a veritable hybrid war on Russia and are publicly framing this as inflicting a strategic defeat on our country.

Moscow's displeasure stems from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's efforts to forge closer ties with the West. Pashinyan's ruling Civil Contract party is leading in recent polls with about 30% support, facing several pro-Russian opposition groups. Russia has previously threatened to suspend or terminate the supply of cheap oil, gas, and rough diamonds to Armenia, a member of a Russian-led economic union.

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Russia has never been opposed to Armenia diversifying its external relations, but the current approach of the Armenian authorities can hardly be described as such; indeed, it can hardly be called balanced at all.

Adding to the pressure, Russia's agricultural safety agency, Rosselkhoznadzor, announced additional temporary bans on Armenian tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy vegetables, and strawberries, effective Saturday. These follow similar recent bans on Armenian flowers, mineral water, and brandy. Rosselkhoznadzor cited an increasing number of violations and the need to ensure phytosanitary safety.

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The decision was taken in response to the increasing number of violations in the supply of Armenian fruit and vegetable products to Russia and to ensure phytosanitary safety.