Russia Launches Trade War Against Armenia, Targeting Gas and Oil Supplies.
Escalating Trade Conflict Between Russia and Armenia
According to Espreso.tv: Areg Kochinyan, head of the Armenian Council analytical center, has warned that a trade war between Russia and Armenia has begun, with serious political repercussions likely for Yerevan. He links this escalation to potential Russian interference in Armenia’s upcoming election campaign, where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is projected to secure over 65% of the vote.
Moscow has already taken concrete steps in this direction, sending a formal letter to the Armenian government that threatens to revise a bilateral agreement guaranteeing preferential pricing on natural gas, petroleum products, and diamonds. According to Kochinyan, this move signals that tensions are moving beyond mere threats into active measures:
“This is no longer about threats—these are real actions.” – Areg Kochinyan
Political Stakes of the Upcoming Election
Kochinyan further emphasizes that the election outcome could have severe consequences for Armenia if voters make what he calls the 'wrong choice.' The growing friction between Moscow and Yerevan is therefore not just an economic issue but one that could reshape the country’s political landscape. Armenia now faces challenges that may affect both its internal stability and its international standing.
At this critical juncture, Armenia stands at a crossroads, with decisions that will define its future trajectory. The upcoming election will serve not only as a test of domestic politics but also as a key signal to international partners, especially Russia. Under pressure from Moscow, Armenia must strike a delicate balance between preserving its strategic ties with Russia and strengthening its independent position on the global stage.
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