Russia will suspend imports of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from Armenia, Russia’s agricultural safety watchdog said on Thursday (28 May).
“Rosselkhoznadzor is introducing temporary restrictions starting May 30, 2026, on the import of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, fresh herbs and strawberries originating in or shipped from Armenia,” the agency said in a statement.
The move is likely political in nature, ahead of the 7 June parliamentary elections in Armenia, even though Rosselkhoznadzor cited safety concerns.
Russia has recently imposed trade restrictions against Armenia, and earlier this week threatened to nullify a 2013 bilateral agreement guaranteeing Armenia duty-free natural gas and oil if it continues to pursue closer relations with the European Union.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan argued that eventual EU membership would bring in far more money than Armenia would lose from an increase in Russian gas prices.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Armenia that European integration carries the same risks faced by Ukraine, which Russia invaded in February 2022. Putin is expected to address Armenia’s EU bid during the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union summit in Kazakhstan on Friday, according to The Moscow Times.
Source: commonspace.eu with The Moscow Times
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