Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Armenia could face market-priced Russian gas if it decides to leave the Eurasian Economic Union.
“We have heard statements from the Armenian leadership that the price of Russian gas and Russian energy resources is extremely attractive and more than preferential. This is indeed the case. Russia remains a reliable and responsible supplier of energy resources for all countries, especially for its closest allies and partners,” the Kremlin representative said, according to TASS.
At the same time, Peskov noted that such a regime is impossible for participants in other integration blocs, “obviously referring to the European Union.” According to him, a completely different pricing system operates there — one based on market rates.
“The price category there is entirely different — market-based. This is very well known to our friends in Yerevan,” he added.
Peskov also stated that the question of Armenia’s future direction of economic integration remains open. At the same time, he recalled that during a visit to Moscow, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia continues to remain a full member of the EAEU while simultaneously developing relations in other foreign policy directions, particularly with Europe.
“And as Pashinyan clarified at the time, at some stage it will be necessary to make a final decision, and this will be done through a referendum. In other words, the Armenian people themselves will have the final say,” the Kremlin spokesman concluded.
Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev previously said that Pashinyan had “chosen the path of breaking relations” with Russia. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan responded that Armenia is not seeking to sever ties with Moscow.
“The information possessed by that official is incorrect. Armenia is not interested in severing political, economic or any other ties with Russia,” Mirzoyan said.