Russia threatens to suspend Armenia gas deal over EU bid

Russia has warned Armenia it will suspend or terminate a key agreement providing duty-free natural gas, petroleum products, and rough diamonds if Yerevan continues its pursuit of membership in the European Union. The warning, issued on Wednesday, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two traditional allies.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the Russian Embassy in Yerevan had officially delivered a letter outlining the potential consequences. The letter, from Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, indicated that the 2013 bilateral cooperation agreement would be suspended or unilaterally terminated if Armenia’s EU accession process continues. Zakharova’s comments came after Armenia’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure said it had not received such a letter, prompting her to suggest Armenian officials check with their own foreign ministry.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan rejected the ultimatum, calling it illogical to threaten Armenia with higher prices. He argued that EU membership would bring sufficient economic benefits to offset any increased costs. Pashinyan also pointed to Armenia’s growing...