Putin Congratulates and Pressures at the Same Time

When the leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union gathered in Astana on May 29, the official agenda appeared thoroughly technocratic. Artificial intelligence, digital transformation, common energy markets, industrial cooperation, and a long-term integration strategy through 2045 were expected to be the central themes of the Fifth Eurasian Economic Forum and the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

Armenia's dependence on Russian natural gas has once again come under scrutiny amid deteriorating relations between Moscow and Yerevan. Russian media outlets increasingly emphasize that the Armenian economy remains heavily reliant on Russian gas supplies, which are used not only for household consumption but also play a critical role in electricity generation, industry, and agriculture.

The speech delivered by Federal Security Service Director Alexander Bortnikov at the meeting of the Council of Heads of Security and Special Services of CIS member states became one of the harshest and most ideologically charged statements made by Russian security structures in recent months.

The phone call between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was more than another diplomatic exchange between two rival powers. Judging by Moscow’s statements, the Kremlin effectively used the conversation to warn Washington that Russia is preparing to enter a new phase of the war in Ukraine.