Armenian opposition leader Narek Karapetian warned that Armenia faces economic hardship as Russia banned multimillion-dollar agricultural imports, pressuring the country to choose between EU integration and its Russian-led trade bloc membership while Armenia remains heavily dependent on Russia.
Armenia's foreign minister sought accelerated EU economic aid in Luxembourg, as Russia imposed trade sanctions following June elections. The EU pledged 50 million euros and market access to counter Russian pressure on the strategically important South Caucasus nation.
Russia restricted Armenian agricultural exports citing health concerns to pressure the country away from Western alignment ahead of June 7 parliamentary elections, with Putin warning of potential 14 percent GDP losses if Armenia pursued EU integration.
Putin and Trump discuss Iran and Ukraine in a nearly hour-long call.
Russia's parliamentary speaker threatened to discourage tourists from visiting Armenia over detained Russian citizens and EU membership efforts, potentially costing Armenia one billion dollars annually in tourism revenue amid escalating tensions.
Armenia held parliamentary elections Sunday as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian sought voter ratification of Western alignment, while the US, EU, and Russia heavily intervened through incentives, threats, and disinformation campaigns to shape the post-Soviet nation's geopolitical direction.
Armenia seeks to leverage Asia-Europe trade routes but faces obstacles from Russian Railways' sanctioned control of its rail network under a 2008 concession, hindering regional connectivity and economic development despite Moscow's reluctance to relinquish management.
EU Commission President Von der Leyen offered Armenia 52 million euros in aid and tariff-free trade access for 80 percent of exports to counter Russian economic sanctions imposed after Prime Minister Pashinian's pro-Western pivot away from Moscow's Eurasian bloc.
The US reaffirms support for Armenia's sovereignty ahead of its weekend election.
Armenia's PM launched TRIPP, Trump's flagship corridor linking Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenian territory, but escalating US-Iran tensions complicate implementation by deterring American personnel deployment near Iran's border and private investment, while Russia exploits uncertainties.