Ovechuk Warns Armenia

Trade between Russia and Armenia could decrease by $3 billion by the end of 2025, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ovechuk announced at the Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg. Among the main reasons, he noted the existing bans, obstacles, and the work of regulatory bodies. There are also issues of reciprocity. It is necessary to expand the capacity of the Upper Lars checkpoints, where significant traffic jams are being recorded again these days.

In 2024, trade between the countries increased by almost 1.6 times, reaching a record $12 billion.

“Tomorrow in Brussels, they (to Armenia) will tell you to close the sky to Russian planes, what will you do? You will close it, because you will have no other option. Tomorrow your drivers will come and reach Upper Lars, after which the cargo will be transferred to Russian or Belarusian trucks, and the Armenian driver will return. We respect the Armenian side's position, but we will protect our market. That is why today trade with Armenia is declining,” Ovechuk added.