Russia's Ultimatum: Armenia's EU Ambitions Under Threat
Armenia's aspirations to join the European Union have sparked tension with Russia, which threatened to cut off cheap oil, gas, and other resources should Yerevan continue its EU accession process. The warning escalates a geopolitical rift as Armenia seeks closer ties with the West, despite its traditional dependence on Moscow.
Russia has issued a stark warning to Armenia over its ambitions to join the European Union, threatening to halt the supply of cheap oil, gas, and rough diamonds. This ultimatum comes ahead of Armenia's parliamentary elections, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party leading in the polls.
Despite traditionally strong ties with Russia, Armenia is seeking to bolster relationships with Brussels and Washington. Russian spokesperson Maria Zakharova conveyed the warning that EU membership would be incompatible with Armenia's current status in the Eurasian Economic Union.
Recent geopolitical changes, including Azerbaijan's recovery of Nagorno-Karabakh, have strained Armenia-Russia relations, with Armenia suspending participation in a Russian-led defense alliance. The conflict has driven Yerevan towards the West, despite Russian concerns about Armenia entering what it perceives as an anti-Russian orbit.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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