Moscow: Russia will impose import restrictions on Armenian fruit and vegetables, its agricultural safety agency said Thursday, amid a widening spat with the Caucasus country over its aspiration to join the European Union.
Armenia, a former Soviet republic, is formally allied with Russia but has been building ties with Brussels for years amid frustration over Moscow's perceived failure to protect it during conflicts with neighbouring Azerbaijan.
It passed a law last year declaring its intention to seek EU membership, though it has yet to submit a formal application and is still a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Russian-led trading bloc.
Citing unspecified "violations" in the quality of Armenian produce, Russian agricultural safety agency Rosselkhoznadzor said it was imposing "temporary restrictions on the import of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens, and strawberries originating from and shipped from Armenia".
"The decision was made in connection with the increasing number of violations in the supply of Armenian fruit and vegetable products to Russia, and to ensure phytosanitary safety," the agency said, without elaborating.
The restrictions, which enter into force on May 30, will remain until Armenia takes measures to "ensure the safety of the shipped products". it said.
Armenia did not immediately comment on the move.
Russia introduced similar restrictions on imports of Armenian flowers last week, and its consumer safety watchdog has banned the sale of certain Armenian wines and cognacs.
Armenia is also a member of the Moscow-led CSTO security alliance, though it froze its membership of the latter in 2024.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Armenia in April that it could not be a member of both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union.
