RF vice-premier on Russia`s readiness for dialogue with Armenia on  phytosanitary issues

ArmInfo. Russia is ready for constructive dialogue with Armenia, but Yerevan faces certain issues. Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk stated this in a conversation with Kremlin Pool journalist Alexander Yunashev.

"Recently, [Minister of Agriculture] Oksana Lut met with the Armenian  Minister of Economy and outlined these issues. Phytosanitary control  requirements must be met," Overchuk noted.

As a reminder, since the end of May of this year, authorized Russian  authorities have been imposing restrictions on the import of products  from Armenia as a result of violations uncovered during inspections.   Initially, the restrictions affected flowers, then fresh agricultural  produce, fish, and fish products. News about dairy products had  already emerged days earlier. Traditionally, Armenia exported over  80%-90% of this product to the Russian market.

It's worth noting that all of this began after a change in policy by  the Armenian authorities. On January 9, 2025, the Armenian government  approved a draft law on the initiation of the EU accession process,  proposed by the "Eurakve" civic initiative. The draft was sent to the  Armenian parliament for approval. On March 26, the parliament adopted  it in its final reading and sent it to the president for signature.  The document was signed on April 4 of that year. Moscow stated that  Russia had conveyed to Armenia that simultaneous membership in the  Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union was impossible. On May  9, 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 whenever it deemed it necessary. And already on  May 29, the heads of four of the five EAEU countries adopted a  resolution recommending that Armenia hold a referendum on the issue  of the country's continued membership in the EAEU.