Armenia seeks grain from Ukraine, signaling shift away from Moscow, says Russian intelligence

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has reported that Armenia, citing political considerations, is seeking to distance itself from Moscow and assist Ukraine by purchasing a portion of its grain from Kyiv.

The SVR statement noted that for many years, Armenia purchased grain from Russia. Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"Now, for political reasons, the Armenians reportedly want to distance themselves from Moscow and provide support to Ukraine by buying part of the required grain from the ‘nezalezhna’ [Ukraine],” the statement said.

The announcement comes amid growing trade diversification efforts by Armenia. The Armenian Prime Minister recently confirmed that new requests have been made to import goods from Russia via a railway route passing through Azerbaijan.

Russia’s Ministry of Transport reports that 132 railcars of Russian wheat are scheduled to reach Armenia through Azerbaijan and Georgia by the end of January 2026, highlighting the logistical adjustments accompanying Armenia’s evolving trade strategy.

By Vafa Guliyeva