Russia Warns Armenia of New Trade Curbs After Vote

Russia warned Armenia of potential new trade restrictions on Monday, hours after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared victory in parliamentary elections that reinforced the country’s pro-Western trajectory.

According to Russian media reports, the Federal Agency for Fishery (Rosrybolovstvo) head Ilya Shestakov said Moscow could impose additional restrictions on Armenian fish imports if authorities identify risks to Russia’s veterinary safety standards.

“Further steps will certainly follow” if such risks are detected, Shestakov said during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The warning came after preliminary election results showed Pashinyan’s ruling Civil Contract party winning 49.8% of the vote, securing a legislative plurality and the right to form a new government.

Pashinyan described the result as a “historic victory” and pledged to continue Armenia’s rapprochement with Western partners while maintaining relations with Russia.

Trade tensions grow as Armenia looks west

Russia has already imposed a range of restrictions on Armenian products, including mineral water, alcohol, flowers, fruit and vegetables. Earlier this year, Moscow allowed imports from only two Armenian fish producers under enhanced laboratory monitoring requirements.

Shestakov said additional restrictions would not affect the Russian market, arguing domestic trout production and imports from other countries, including Turkey, would compensate for any reduction in Armenian supplies.

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Zelensky Congratulates Armenia’s Pashinyan on Election Win

President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his election victory and described the result as a win for Armenia’s sovereignty and independence. Zelensky also called on the European Union to increase support for Armenia, saying closer ties with Europe should bring tangible benefits to citizens.

The latest warning comes as Armenia seeks to diversify its export markets and reduce its economic dependence on Russia.

Last week, the European Union announced plans for a €50 million ($58 million) assistance package for Armenia amid growing pressure from Moscow.

Pashinyan has previously said Armenian producers would redirect exports blocked by Russia to alternative markets. According to Armenian officials, the first shipments of roses and vegetables have already been exported to the European Union.

Election victory welcomed by European leaders

The trade warning followed parliamentary elections that European leaders hailed as a vote in favor of closer ties with Europe.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Pashinyan after the result, praising Armenia’s democratic development and growing cooperation with the EU.

“The spirit of the Velvet Revolution you led in 2018 is alive and well,” von der Leyen wrote on social media.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated Pashinyan on Monday, describing the election result as “a victory of Armenia’s sovereignty, independence and right to live as you determine yourselves.”

Zelensky called on the European Union to increase support for Armenia, saying now was the time for Brussels to ensure citizens see tangible benefits from closer relations with Europe.

Analysts have said Armenia’s election result is likely to accelerate the country’s Westward shift, a development that has increasingly strained relations with Moscow.