Russia Threatens to Tear Up Gas Deal With Armenia Over EU Ambitions — Pashinyan Fires Back

Moscow has threatened to rip up its natural gas agreement with Armenia, using energy as leverage to punish Yerevan for what the Kremlin sees as a dangerous drift toward the European Union.

The warning came as Armenia deepens its relationship with Brussels, exploring closer economic and security ties that would pull it out of Russia's traditional sphere of influence. For Moscow, the loss of Armenia would be both strategic and symbolic — a former Soviet republic choosing the West over the Kremlin.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was quick to dismiss the threat, calling it "illogical to frighten Armenia with high prices." But the reality is that Armenia remains heavily dependent on Russian gas, and any disruption to supply would hit the country hard, particularly during the winter months.

This is the Kremlin's playbook — using energy as a weapon to keep former Soviet states in line. Georgia experienced it in 2006. Ukraine suffered through it repeatedly. Now Armenia is feeling the pressure. The question is whether Yerevan has a Plan B.

Alternative energy sources exist — Iranian gas, Azeri electricity, even potential imports from the Caspian region — but all come with their own political complications. For Armenia, the choice between European integration and affordable energy is becoming increasingly stark.

Pashinyan is betting that he can navigate the tightrope. But the rope is getting thinner by the day.

This is Irina Volkov for Global1 News, reporting from Moscow. 🇷🇺