President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission of the European Union (EU) had a phone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and discussed the growing pressure on Armenia by Russia due to Armenia’s rapprochement with the EU, the European Commission press service reports.

During the conversation, they touched upon Russia's restrictions on the import of a number of Armenian products, in particular, fruit, vegetables, flowers, and brandy. Von der Leyen called these steps by Moscow "economic coercion" and said that they are unacceptable.

"By extending export restrictions on Armenian products, Moscow is weaponizing economic relations for political pressure. We know this playbook all too well. This is why Europe stands firmly with Armenia," the head of the European Commission stated, in particular.

Also, she announced a support package to Armenia from the EU, which includes immediate financial assistance of more than 50 million euros. According to von der Leyen, the support will not be limited to this, and steps will be taken to facilitate trade in some Armenian goods, especially agricultural products.