The Kremlin stated on Monday that Armenia would lose its highly favorable price for Russian natural gas if it distances itself from integration with Russia.

Armenia is a member of the Russia-led economic union and heavily relies on Russia for its energy supply. However, in recent years, the country has increasingly sought to deepen ties with the European Union, passing a law last year to formally initiate the process for EU membership.

When asked about bilateral relations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "Armenia currently enjoys a very preferential, highly favorable price for Russian gas."

"Such preferential policies do not apply to members of other integration mechanisms, where the pricing system is entirely different and follows market rules."

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that his country has no intention of severing political and economic ties with Russia.

The Russian news agency Interfax quoted him from an interview in Yerevan on Monday: "We hope and will strive to maintain and deepen normal bilateral relations."

Armenia hosts several Russian military bases. Relations between the two countries have become increasingly strained since September 2023, when Azerbaijan, despite the presence of Russian peacekeeping forces, used military force to retake the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

In April of this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the issue of gas prices during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. He noted that Armenia purchases Russian gas at a price of $177.5 per thousand cubic meters, while the same volume sells for over $600 in Europe.

Putin remarked, "The price difference is significant."

In an interview on May 9, Putin also stated that if Armenia intends to join the European Union, it would be reasonable to hold a public referendum on the matter.

Armenia is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections in June, with Pashinyan's party facing off against several opposition parties, many of which hold pro-Russian positions.