Civilnet
By Alexander Pracht
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service claimed in a statement released today that Yerevan plans to replace at least part of the Russian wheat it imports with supplies from Ukraine.
In a highly emotional post titled Yerevan’s Kiss, written in a tone far from official, the agency claimed the following:
“Yerevan is ready to weaken yet another bond with Moscow. For years, Armenia has been buying grain from Russia. Now, for political reasons, the Armenians supposedly want to ‘cut the cord’ and help Ukraine by purchasing part of the needed wheat volumes.”
The statement also claimed that the European Union would compensate Armenia for the price difference between cheaper Russian and more expensive Ukrainian grain.
The agency is known for releasing similar propaganda-style commentaries that often resemble satirical essays more than formal intelligence briefings.
Speaking to reporters in Yerevan today, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan dismissed the allegations outright.
“It is utter nonsense,” he said.
Armenia imports roughly 70% of its annual wheat consumption, essential for bread and flour production, and nearly all of it currently comes from Russia. Earlier this month, a Russian freight train carrying wheat arrived in Yerevan for the first time since the Soviet Union’s collapse. The delivery was made possible after Azerbaijan lifted its ban on the transit of goods destined for Armenia through its territory, enabling cheaper rail transportation compared to trucking via Georgia.
Given the timing, it appears illogical for Moscow to accuse Yerevan of seeking alternative wheat supplies just days after the resumption of direct rail deliveries from Russia.
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