Russia threatens to cut gas, oil to Armenia - Taipei Times

REARGUARD ACTION:

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drags on, its influence around the world has waned, as other power blocs have allegedly undermined its interests

Reuters, Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin has read long-term ally Armenia the riot act: persist in wanting to join the EU and you can kiss goodbye to cheap Russian oil and gas.Putin issued the warning before a parliamentary election in Armenia on Sunday, which polls suggest the party of Western-leaning Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan could win.It is not an idle threat. Armenia, a landlocked country of 3 million with centuries-old ties to Russia, is highly dependent on Moscow, which has imposed temporary bans on important Armenian exports before the vote.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on April 1.