Russian political scientist: Russia`s sanctions against Armenia are  another `shot in the foot`

ArmInfo.Russia's trade restrictions and import bans on certain Armenian goods cannot frighten Armenia, as they constitute another "shot in the foot." This opinion was expressed by Nikolai Platoshkin, a Russian diplomat,  former head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Armenia department, and political scientist, commenting on recent Russian statements amid the start of Armenia's accession process to the European Union (EU).

As Platoshkin recalled, Russia similarly intimidated Moldova and  Georgia. But, as the expert noted, the only result was that these  countries found other markets. "Now we've banned the import of Jermuk  mineral water, cognac, wine, flowers, and fruit from Armenia. Of  course, this has hit Armenian producers, but it's also hit Russian  consumers. And are those who produce this mineral water or sell  flowers anti-Russian or pro-EU?" the political scientist asked  rhetorically.

Platoshkin is convinced that Russia is thus only losing the trust of  Armenian producers and demonstrating that, if anything happens, the  country will stop buying from them. "It turns out that with these  bans, they're giving ammunition to anti-Russian forces in Armenia. In  other words, these sanctions only hit Russia and aid anti-Russian  forces in Armenia," the political scientist asserted.

Similarly, he added, Armenia will find new ways to organize gas  supplies to the country, for example, through Azerbaijan or Iran. In  this regard, he recalled the existence of a gas pipeline from Iran,  through which a quarter of Russia's gas supplies pass. "Furthermore,  this will also be beneficial for Iran, since this gas pipeline is not  subject to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, we must  remember the vast Caspian Sea deposits. There's enough gas there not  only for Armenia. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are already producing  gas. In other words, a gas pipeline across the Caspian Sea has  already been built," the expert noted.

Platoshkin also mentioned Azerbaijan's oil product supplies to  Armenia. "And it (Azerbaijan - ed.) can easily separate Armenia from  Russia economically if it sets such a goal. This doesn't even require  massive investment. And after that, Russia will wonder why they  stepped on the same rake as Georgia, Moldova, and the Czech  Republic," the political scientist believes.

Thus, according to the expert, putting pressure on Armenia  economically is futile. The country's security is another matter  entirely. In this regard, he noted the lack of guarantees that  Azerbaijan and Turkey will not attack Armenia in the future. "Armenia  has no chance of standing up to these two countries, as the balance  of power is not in Armenia's favor, and its geostrategic rivals have  significant advantages. And of course, as long as Russian border  troops guard the border between Armenia and Turkey, they won't bother  to intervene, as it would be perceived as an attack on Russia. But if  Armenia chooses the option of withdrawing the 102nd Russian base, the  question will arise: who will replace it? We must understand that the  economy is a matter of time, and trying to force Armenia's hand is  futile. But the issue of security is important, and the Armenian  people need to carefully study it, because there is no room for error  here.  While Armenia has questions for Russia, and many of them are  justified, it must first and foremost think about the future  generation and the preservation of the country. Moreover, I am  convinced that a strong Armenia is also beneficial to Russia,"  Platoshkin concluded. '

As a reminder, Russia imposed restrictions on the import of Armenian  flowers on May 22, and on fruits and vegetables on May 20.  Rospotrebnadzor, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer  Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, suspended the sale of 64.5  million units of Jermuk mineral water in Russia on May 28. The order  was based on the manufacturer's violations of mandatory technical  regulation requirements. It is noteworthy that all of this began  after the Armenian government approved the draft law on January 9,  2025, to initiate the process of joining the European Union. The law  was finally adopted by the country's parliament on March 26, and  signed by the Armenian president on April 4 of that year. 

Moscow then stated that Russia had conveyed to Armenia that  simultaneous membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and the  European Union was impossible. On May 9, 2026, Russian President  Vladimir Putin, speaking to journalists, suggested that Armenia  decide on its membership in the EU and the EAEU as soon as possible,  expressing its readiness to "begin a civilized divorce" if necessary.  Yerevan responded by stating that it would leave the EAEU when it  deemed it necessary. On May 29, 2026, the Russian president again  addressed this issue, recalling that, according to preliminary expert  estimates, Armenia's withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union  (EAEU) would lead to a loss of at least 14% of its GDP. He also  called on the Armenian side to hold a referendum as soon as possible  on whether Armenia should be part of the EAEU or the EU.