Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has requested Russian assistance to address trade restrictions that he claims violate Eurasian Economic Union rules.
Key facts
- •Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told Vladimir Putin that Russian trade restrictions breach EAEU rules.
- •Russia recently banned imports of Armenian products including vegetables, fruit, flowers, fish, and alcohol.
- •The Kremlin suggested that Armenia's potential EU membership should be decided by a referendum.
- •Moscow has warned that Armenia risks suspension from the EAEU over its pursuit of EU ties.
- •Russia represented about 35% of Armenia's foreign trade in the last year.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Monday to address ongoing trade disputes. Pashinyan requested that Putin take measures to resolve Russian restrictions on Armenian exports, which the Armenian government maintains violate bilateral agreements and the rules of the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Trade Restrictions and Tensions
Last month, Russia implemented temporary import bans on a variety of Armenian products, including fish, flowers, alcoholic beverages, and fruits and vegetables. These measures occur amid increasingly strained relations between Moscow and Yerevan as Armenia pursues closer ties with the West. During the call, the Kremlin reported that Putin suggested Pashinyan’s proposal to seek European Union membership should be put to a national referendum as soon as possible. Moscow has previously warned that Armenia could face suspension from the EAEU if it continues to pursue EU membership.
Economic Dependence
Armenia remains heavily reliant on Russia for its energy supplies. Additionally, Russia accounted for approximately 35% of Armenia's total foreign trade during the previous year.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Moscow Times.
