Russia has issued a stark warning to Armenia, threatening to suspend or terminate agreements on the supply of cheap oil and gas if the South Caucasus nation proceeds with its bid to join the European Union. The warning came on Wednesday, just days before Armenia's June 7 election, where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party holds a comfortable lead in opinion polls.
Official Warning Delivered
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, confirmed to the RIA news agency that the Russian Embassy officially handed over a letter to Armenian authorities. The letter states that if Armenia continues its EU accession process, Russia will unilaterally suspend or end the Agreement on Cooperation in the Supply of Natural Gas, Petroleum Products and Rough Diamonds.
Armenia's Dependence on Russian Energy
Armenia, a landlocked country of about 3 million people, has historically maintained close ties with Russia. It hosts Russian military bases and relies heavily on Russian energy imports. According to Interfax, Armenia imported 2.7 billion cubic meters of gas in 2025, with 82 percent coming from Russia.
However, relations between Moscow and Yerevan have deteriorated in recent years as Armenia seeks deeper ties with Brussels and Washington. Earlier this month, Moscow accused Armenia of being drawn into what it called the EU's "anti-Russian orbit."
Recent Developments
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Yerevan on Tuesday and signed a strategic partnership agreement with Armenia's foreign minister. Additionally, Armenia has adopted a law initiating its EU accession process, further straining ties with Russia.
The warning underscores Moscow's determination to maintain influence in the South Caucasus region, where energy supplies have long been a key lever of power.
