Russia warns of ‘negative consequences’ after £230m Armenia-EU deal

The Kremlin has threatened Armenia with “negative consequences” after the EU pledged more than £230 million to help it loosen ties with Russia.

Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian prime minister, visited Brussels on Friday, meeting Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, in a display of his country’s diplomatic shift towards the West.

“We will make investments to strengthen Armenia’s economy and society, making them more robust and stable in the face of shocks,” said Ms von der Leyen, pledging the money to “build resilience” among Armenian businesses and society.