Pashinyan calls ban on import of Armenian products to Russia politicized

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called the ban on the import of certain types of Armenian products to Russia wrong and politicized.

«I think these are wrong steps because they set people against the EAEU, and as a high-ranking official of the EAEU, this is a problem for me, but all problems will be resolved,» he told Izvestia during pre-election campaigning in the city of Sevan. The live broadcast of the campaigning and conversation was conducted on Pashinyan’s page on the social network.

He noted that Armenia understands the benefits of EAEU membership, but the Union should open new opportunities, «so that the image of the EAEU in Armenia grows, and not the other way around.»

«If restrictions are already being introduced, this creates a negative perception among Armenian citizens regarding the EAEU,» he said.

«As for phytosanitary issues, this is a normal thing, it should exist, the quality of goods supplied to EAEU countries is very important. But at the moment this is being politicized,» the prime minister stated.

Commenting on a recent telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said: «We talked about current affairs, and we had a positive conversation. I think the best step now is to abandon all restrictions. I am afraid that this will create some negative sentiments in Armenia toward the EAEU. And as a high-ranking official of the EAEU, of course I am not interested.»

He also said that individual companies, both in Armenia and in Russia, may have problems with product quality, «but in general, we have very good control and we (...) are improving the quality of our phytosanitary control.»

Earlier that day, the head of government said that Armenia would redirect goods banned from import to Russia to other markets.

Rosselkhoznadzor from May 30, 2026, introduced temporary restrictions on the import of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, green crops, and strawberries from Armenia until an appropriate algorithm is developed to ensure the safety of shipped products. From June 2, the agency decided to stop certification of live fish and fish products intended for export to Russia. Also from June 2, the import of stone fruit and fresh grapes from Armenia to Russia is restricted.

Source: Interfax