Russia blocks import of Armenian roses via Belarus

Russia's agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor has prevented the import of more than 39,000 roses from Armenia into Russia via Belarus using fake documents, Report informs, citing Interfax.

Rosselkhoznadzor said a vehicle carrying 39,200 flowers banned from entering Russia was stopped at Smolensk customs.

"The vehicle, driven by a Belarusian citizen, was transporting the shipment from Minsk region to Moscow. During an inspection of the cargo compartment, flowers were found without phytosanitary and commercial documents. The remaining parts of the labels indicated that the flowers originated from Armenia," the statement said.

Flower supplies from Armenia to Russia, as well as their transit through Russian territory, have been banned since May 22, 2026. Since June 12, restrictions have also been in force on the import into Russia of all regulated products originating from or shipped from Armenia.

By decision of Rosselkhoznadzor's territorial department, the illegally imported shipment of roses was destroyed on July 23. The carrier was brought to administrative responsibility.