Russia has increased its pressure on Armenia ahead of Sunday’s parliamentary elections, pulling out virtually all the stops linked to trade should its long-term ally persist in its ambitions to join the European Union. Moscow has threatened to raise gas prices, put measures in place to be able to restrict the Russian import of certain Armenian products and warned it may suspend the country from the Eurasian Economic Union.
Russia is increasing pressure on Armenia ahead of a June 7 election, as the once-close ally pursues deeper ties with Brussels and Washington. Distracted by its war in Ukraine, Russia is trying to keep Armenia in its orbit, but Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly criticised Moscow while trying to plot a path westwards.
