Armenia Chooses to Favor the EU: Russia's Foreign Ministry Statement

The presence of European Union representatives in the border regions of Armenia could only bring geopolitical confrontation to the region and exacerbate existing tensions. This is stated in a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasizes that attempts to suppress Russia’s mediating efforts in the South Caucasus could harm the radical interests of Armenians and Azerbaijanis and hinder the return of peace to the region.

“The presence of representatives of the European Union, which has turned into an appendage of the USA and NATO and conducts a confrontational policy in the CIS region, can only bring geopolitical confrontation to the region and escalate existing tensions. The declared civilian nature of the EU mission should not mislead anyone. It is formed within the framework of the EU's common policy in the field of security and defense, with all consequent outcomes,” the statement reads.

The Russian Foreign Ministry is confident that in the foreseeable future, the key factor for stability and security in the region remains the “Russian peacekeeping forces deployed based on the declaration of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia from November 9, 2020, as well as the Russian border guards stationed at Armenian borders.”

“They will respond to the behavior of the EU observers, taking into account the developments in the situation,” the Russian Foreign Ministry added.

In the Foreign Ministry's statement, it is noted that by not bringing the work on the CSTO mission to a logical conclusion in Yerevan, Armenia has chosen to favor the EU. If Armenia’s allies maintain interest in activating the potential of the CSTO, it could deploy an operational mission in Armenia.