Factbox-Russia ups the pressure on Armenia ahead of Sunday's election

June 2 (Reuters) - Russia is increasing pressure on Armenia ahead of a June 7 election, as the once-close ally pursues deeper ties with Brussels and Washington.

Distracted by its war in Ukraine, Russia is trying to keep Armenia in its orbit, but Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly criticised Moscow while trying to plot a path westwards.

Below are some of the trade restrictions and warnings issued by Russia in the run-up to the vote, which pits Pashinyan's Civil Contract party against an array of opposition voices, many of them pro-Russian.

GAS

Armenia bought 82% of its gas from Russia in 2025, and Russian President Vladimir Putin told Pashinyan on April 1 that it was paying $177.5 per 1,000 cubic metres of gas that would cost over $600 in Europe.

"The disparity is vast, the difference is substantial," Putin said.

On May 27, Russia's Foreign Ministry said it had warned Armenia that it would suspend or terminate the supply of cheap oil, gas and rough diamonds if Yerevan pressed ahead with its bid to join the European Union.

BLOC SUSPENSION

The Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, which provides a barrier-free single market to five former Soviet republics, said on May 29 it would consider suspending Armenia for seeking EU membership and urged it to hold a referendum so its people could vote on which path to take.

A suspension would trigger immediate shocks to the Armenian economy. Russia accounted for about 35% of Armenia's foreign trade in 2025, while the EU accounted for roughly 11%, according to government statistics cited by Armenian media.

FRESH PRODUCE

Russia imposed temporary restrictions on imports of Armenian fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens and strawberries as of May 30 over alleged phytosanitary safety concerns, according to Russia's agricultural watchdog.

The watchdog imposed more restrictions, valid from June 2, on different types of fruit, including cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines and grapes.

As of June 3, it widened these further, restricting imports of apples and pears, eggplants, potatoes and some dried fruits. 

Russia is by far the largest market for Armenian fresh produce.

FISH

Russia asked Armenia to suspend certification for the Russian market for all but two Armenian fish exporters as of June 2 due to alleged non-compliance with inspections of fish-processing facilities.

ALCOHOL

On May 23, Russia's consumer safety watchdog told Russian retailers and importers to suspend sales of certain "substandard" wine and brandy products made by three Armenian companies, Interfax news agency reported.

FLOWERS

On May 22, Russia imposed temporary restrictions on Armenian flower products while its agricultural safety watchdog carries out tests to protect against the spread of plant diseases or pests, state news agency TASS reported.

MINERAL WATER

Russia temporarily suspended the import of some "Jermuk" mineral water products on April 28, after the consumer safety watchdog said it had found labelling irregularities.