Eurasian divorce: Moscow and Yerevan are replacing their alliance with mutual sanctions
Moscow has begun speaking to Yerevan in the language of sanctions. In June, it restricted Armenian exports on the eve of the country's parliamentary elections, and the Kremlin has not let up, demanding in an ultimatum that Armenians choose between the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union. The “post-election normalization” expected by some observers never materialized, and the “divorce”…
Following the pro-Russian forces' defeat in Armenia's June parliamentary elections, the once-strong alliance between Moscow and Yerevan began to crumble. In response, the Kremlin opted for sanctions, targeting Armenian goods such as mineral water, wine, brandy, and various agricultural products. The move aimed to force Armenia to reconsider its geopolitical and economic ties. However, Yerevan remains reluctant to join the European Union and continues to rely on trade with Russia.
In May, the other members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) – Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan – issued a statement at a summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The statement called for a nationwide referendum in Armenia to decide the country's future - whether to join the European Union or remain within the EAEU. Despite not participating in the statement, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded with irony, stating that Armenia has the right to develop relations with various partners and create trade alternatives.
Following the statement, Russia intensified its sanctions against Armenia, targeting its most valuable exports like mineral water, wine, brandy, flowers, fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and apricots. The Kremlin aimed to apply pressure by restricting the largest portion of Armenian exports before the harvest season.
Meanwhile, Yerevan has no immediate plans to hold a referendum on joining the European Union, instead opting to retaliate with its own sanctions while seeking to maintain its vital trade with Russia.
Written by urgent.news from The Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
