Russia has sharply criticized Armenia for its closer ties with the European Union, arguing that Armenia is not maintaining a balanced relationship with Moscow and is working with countries that wish Russia harm. This criticism comes ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary vote on June 7, where the ruling Civil Contract party, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is seeking a third term and has shown interest in strengthening ties with the West against various pro-Russian opposition groups. Recent polls suggest that Pashinyan’s party holds about 30% support.

Moscow’s discontent with Armenia’s warming relationship with the West was expressed by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who emphasized that while Russia sees Armenia as a partner, it questions Armenia’s partnerships with the EU, especially given claims from Western nations about a “hybrid war” against Russia.

In response to these developments, Russia’s agricultural safety agency announced new temporary bans on Armenian produce, including tomatoes and strawberries, set to take effect on Saturday. Russia has warned Armenia that it may halt supplies of cheap oil, gas, and diamonds if Armenia continues pursuing EU membership. Armenia, with a population of around 3 million, depends heavily on Russian energy and military support.

With information from Reuters