Russia Warns Armenia of Fuel Supply Cuts Over EU Accession Efforts
Russia's Warning and Armenia's EU Accession Bid
Official Statement from Russia
MOSCOW, May 27 (Reuters) - Russia said on Wednesday it had warned Armenia that it would suspend or terminate agreements on the supply of cheap oil and gas to the South Caucasus country if it pressed ahead with its bid to join the European Union.
Political Context and Upcoming Election
Moscow issued the warning ahead of an election on June 7 with opinion polls giving the Civil Contract party of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan - who has forged a warmer relationship with the West to Moscow's irritation - a comfortable lead.
Details of the Russian Embassy's Communication
"The Russian Embassy has officially forwarded a letter...stating that if the process of accession to the EU continues, the Russian side will suspend or unilaterally terminate the Agreement on Cooperation in the Supply of Natural Gas, Petroleum Products and Rough Diamonds," Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, told the RIA news agency.
Armenia's Dependence on Russian Energy
Armenia, a landlocked nation of around 3 million, has traditionally had close ties to Russia. It hosts Russian military bases and is heavily dependent on Russian energy imports. It imported 2.7 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas last year, 82% of which came from Russia, according to the Interfax news agency.
Shifting Alliances and Western Influence
But ties with Moscow have frayed in recent years as Yerevan has sought to deepen its ties to Brussels and Washington. Moscow earlier this month accused Armenia of being drawn into what it described as the EU's "anti‑Russian orbit".
Recent Diplomatic Developments
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Yerevan on Tuesday and signed a strategic partnership agreement with Armenia's foreign minister. Armenia has also adopted a law launching its EU accession process.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Reuters Writing by Lucy PapachristouEditing by Andrew Osborn)
