Russia threatens to cut off Armenia's oil and gas supplies over EU membership bid

Moscow has warned Yerevan that it may unilaterally suspend or terminate agreements covering natural gas, petroleum products, and uncut diamonds if Armenia continues pursuing European Union membership. The threat marks a significant escalation in tensions between Russia and its former close ally.

Russia has issued a stark warning to Armenia, threatening to unilaterally suspend or terminate agreements governing the supply of natural gas, petroleum products, and uncut diamonds to the South Caucasus nation. The threat comes in direct response to Armenia's growing push to join the European Union.

Moscow's warning signals a sharp deterioration in relations between Russia and a country that was once considered one of its closest partners in the post-Soviet space. Armenia has been steadily drifting westward in recent years, deepening ties with the EU and distancing itself from Russian-led regional structures such as the CSTO military alliance.

The potential suspension of energy supplies would deal a severe blow to Armenia's economy, which remains heavily dependent on Russian natural gas. A cutoff of petroleum products could disrupt transport and industry across the country, while the halt of uncut diamond deliveries would affect the Armenian jewelry and processing sector.

Armenia's government has accelerated its EU integration course following the 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, during which Russia notably failed to intervene in support of Yerevan. Armenian officials have since openly criticized Moscow and signaled their intent to pursue closer ties with Western institutions, a pivot that has clearly alarmed the Kremlin.

The move follows a broader pattern of Russia using energy leverage as a geopolitical tool against countries seeking closer ties with the West — a tactic previously employed against Ukraine and other former Soviet states. For Estonia and other Baltic nations, the situation serves as a reminder of Russia's continued willingness to weaponize energy dependence.