Russia’s consumer safety watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has suspended sales of alcoholic products from three Armenian companies.
The ban covers wines and brandies made by Vedi-Alco JSC, Abovyan Brandy Plant LLC, and Shahnazyaran Wine and Brandy House LLC. Among the affected products are a red semi-sweet wine called Getap Vernashen, a white dry wine called Vedi Alco, Armenian Brandy 5 Stars, and Shahnazyaran XO brandy.
The agency stated the companies’ products do not meet “mandatory requirements.”
On May 20, Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance imposed restrictions on flower imports from Armenia, citing the need to protect Russia’s “phytosanitary well-being and export potential.” Two days later, Rospotrebnadzor banned the import and sale of Armenian mineral water Jermuk, saying tests had found elevated levels of bicarbonate ions, chlorides, and sulfates.
Russia has for many years regularly imposed bans on imports of various products from countries with which its relations have deteriorated. Moscow’s disagreements with Yerevan stem from what Russian authorities view as the pro-Western course of Nikol Pashinyan’s government.
Armenia will hold parliamentary elections on June 7. Russia has publicly demanded that Armenia allow businessman Samvel Karapetyan, who is currently under house arrest, to participate in them. Pro-Russian bots have launched a campaign against Pashinyan on social media.
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