The Kremlin has threatened Armenia with higher gas prices if it moves toward European integration
Russia has announced possible changes to the terms of energy supplies to Armenia amid the country’s push for European integration. A Kremlin spokesperson noted that if Yerevan deepens its cooperation with the EU, the price of gas for Armenia will be determined by market principles, which is effectively seen as economic pressure and blackmail.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made this statement to journalists ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Armenia, Reuters reports.
“Russian gas is sold at a very, very attractive and more than preferential price. But, of course, such conditions are not available to participants in other integration structures. The pricing structure there is completely different. It is based on market principles,” Peskov said, responding to a question about relations with Yerevan.
This is not the first time Russia has reminded Armenia about “cheap gas.” Vladimir Putin raised the issue of the cost of “blue fuel” during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in April, noting that Yerevan pays $177.50 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas from Russia, which would cost over $600 in Europe.
“The discrepancy is enormous,” Putin said.
On May 9, the Russian dictator also told reporters that it would be logical for Armenia to hold a referendum on its aspirations for EU integration.
Reuters explains that Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, where Russia plays a key role, and is heavily dependent on the Kremlin for energy supplies. But in recent years, the country has sought to deepen ties with the European Union, notably by passing a law last year to begin the process of joining the bloc.
At the same time, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Yerevan is not interested in severing political and economic ties with Russia.
“We want to and will strive to maintain and deepen our normal relations,” the minister noted.
On Tuesday, Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Armenia for talks with Mirzoyan. According to the State Department, they plan to participate in a signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding. No further details were provided.
Earlier, Armenia appealed to the EU to send a rapid response team to counter Russian influence.
Armenia could receive visa-free travel to the EU within two years — Pashinyan
The EU has confirmed its support for Armenia’s European aspirations.
Pashinyan also stated that Armenia is seeking EU membership.
