Russia Is Not Looking into Yerevan’s Pockets: Zakharova on EU Financial Support for Armenia

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has stated that the financial assistance promised to Armenia by the European Union is a "classic example of slavery."

"This is a long-known tactic of the European Commission, the EU, and NATO: to make lavish promises and then create political dependency beneath them, benefiting from this process themselves," Zakharova said during a briefing.

She added that the EU typically calculates the same aid several times, promises one thing, but provides only half of it, or nothing at all.

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that economic assistance has become a tool for the EU to influence the politics of other countries and a form of intervention.

Zakharova's comments came after the EU announced plans to increase investment in Armenia to 2.5 billion euros under the Global Gateway strategy, as well as provide 1.5 million euros to support independent media.

According to Zakharova, Russia does not intend to interfere in Armenia's relations with European institutions. "We are not looking into Yerevan’s pockets. This is their affair and that of the European institutions," she noted.