Russia pressures Armenia over EU ties

Russia>>> is exerting significant pressure on its long-term ally Armenia>>> due to Armenia>>>'s increasing rapprochement with the European Union>>> and the United States>>>. President Vladimir Putin>>> warned Armenia>>> of economic repercussions, including the potential loss of cheap Russian oil and gas, if it continues its Western-leaning policies. This comes as Russia>>> is distracted by the war in Ukraine>>> and is attempting to retain its geopolitical influence globally. Russia>>> has already imposed temporary bans on Armenian exports, suggested Armenia>>>'s expulsion from the Eurasian Economic Union>>>, and recalled its envoy. The United States>>> and European Union>>> are actively courting former Russian allies, leading to a complex rearguard action by Russia>>> to maintain its clout in regions like the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and parts of Europe.