Moscow threatens Armenia over fuel: tensions rise over closer ties with the European Union

Russia has warned Armenia that it could end its deliveries of discounted fuel if Yerevan continues its rapprochement with the European Union, according to reports on Wednesday. This warning underscores the growing tensions between the two historical allies, as Armenia seeks to diversify its diplomatic and economic partnerships.

For several months, the Armenian government has been sending increasingly frequent signals of openness towards the European Union, in a context of increasingly complicated relations with Moscow. Russian authorities consider this approach a threat to their influence in the South Caucasus, a strategic region where Russia maintains significant political and military interests.

The preferential pricing of Russian fuel represents a vital support for the Armenian economy, which is heavily dependent on energy imports. A potential suspension of these benefits could have significant consequences for energy prices and the country's economy.

Relations between Yerevan and Moscow have deteriorated significantly following the recent conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh and criticisms from Armenian leaders regarding Russia's role in regional security. Armenia, in particular, accuses its traditional ally of not providing sufficient support against Azerbaijan.

At the same time, the European Union has strengthened its diplomatic and political presence in the region, developing its cooperation with Armenia. This development fuels concerns in the Kremlin, which sees the expansion of European influence as a gradual erosion of its own weight in the post-Soviet space.