Russia announced today that it will temporarily impose restrictions on certain fruits and vegetables imported from Armenia, as Moscow increases pressure on the South Caucasus republic ahead of parliamentary elections on June 7.
Russia’s phytosanitary watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, said the ban on imports of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens, and strawberries from Armenia will come into effect on Saturday.
In recent days, Moscow has expressed dissatisfaction with the increasingly warm relations between Yerevan and the West, promoted by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is seeking a third term in office.
On Wednesday, Russia also threatened to cut or limit supplies of cheap oil, natural gas, and rough diamonds to Armenia if Yerevan continues its push to join the European Union.
Armenia, a landlocked country with a population of 3 million, hosts Russian military bases and is heavily dependent on Moscow in the energy sector. Last year, it imported 82% of its natural gas from Russia.
The import restrictions were announced after similar bans this week on Armenian flowers, mineral water, and brandy.
Rosselkhoznadzor said the measures followed inspections carried out by its representatives at Armenian agricultural enterprises this week.
“The decision was taken in response to an increasing number of violations in the supply of Armenian fruits and vegetables to Russia, and in order to ensure phytosanitary safety. The current situation poses a threat to the phytosanitary condition of the country’s territory,” the agency said in its statement.
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