Russia may suspend the agreement on duty-free supply of gas, petroleum products, and unprocessed diamonds if Armenia continues its policy of rapprochement with the European Union. This was reported by the publication "Kommersant," citing a letter sent to the Armenian government by Sergei Sivilyov.
According to the publication, the warning document was sent to Yerevan on May 25. It emphasized that Armenia’s efforts to strengthen integration with the European Union pose a threat to the economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.
The 2013 agreement at risk
This agreement between Russia and Armenia was signed in December 2013, under which Moscow has been supplying gas, petroleum products, and diamonds to Yerevan without export duties.
At the same time, re-export of these products to third countries is prohibited. According to "Kommersant," Moscow considers maintaining this arrangement "impossible" under the current geopolitical circumstances.
Armenia heavily dependent on Russian fuel
The authors of the publication note that Armenia is almost entirely dependent on Russian gas. The country also imports the majority of its petroleum products from Russia.
If the agreement is terminated, Armenia may still retain its financial obligations to Russia. The report states that, according to the contract, even if the agreement is suspended, it will remain in effect until compensation or debt obligations are fully fulfilled.
Russia may also revoke benefits for Armenian citizens
On May 26, Pyotr Tolstoy also made a sharp statement regarding Armenia.
According to him, if Armenia renounces its status as a strategic ally of Russia, the opportunities for Armenian citizens to live in Russia without registration and to work under a simplified procedure could be revoked.
"If Russia begins to distance itself, this will lead to very severe consequences for Armenia," Interfax quoted Tolstoy as saying.
Relations between Moscow and Yerevan are cooling
Tensions in relations between the two countries have been increasing in recent months. In May, Russia imposed restrictions on certain goods coming from Armenia, including wine, cognac, fruits, vegetables, and flower products.
Earlier, Vladimir Putin also stated that Yerevan must make a clear choice between the European Union or the Eurasian Economic Union. He emphasized that afterward, Moscow would draw "appropriate conclusions" regarding bilateral relations.
