EU trying to pull Armenia away from Moscow ahead of elections: Russia

Russia on Tuesday accused the European Union (EU) of attempting to separate Armenia from Moscow by increasing its influence over the country’s socio-political life and economy, according to state news agency Tass.

Mikhail Kalugin, director of the Fourth Department of Commonwealth of Independent States countries at the Russian Foreign Ministry, claimed the EU is using Armenia to pursue geopolitical objectives centered on confrontation with Russia.

“We see how the EU is trying to exploit the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia for this purpose. Two missions similar to those used during the Moldovan election campaigns have already been deployed in the republic,” Kalugin said.

He also alleged that European “specialists” were attempting to portray Russia as an enemy and create what he described as a false impression that Moscow opposes “the establishment of an independent Armenia.”

Kalugin further accused European officials of making baseless allegations about Russian “hybrid attacks” and interference in Armenia’s internal affairs.

Putin signals possible Armenian pivot

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during talks at the Kremlin in early April that Moscow was not concerned about Armenia’s relations with the EU.

However, Putin stressed that Armenia could not simultaneously join both the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the EU.

On Saturday, Putin suggested Armenia consider holding a referendum on its geopolitical alignment, saying Moscow would accept a “gentle, intelligent and mutually beneficial divorce” if Yerevan chose closer ties with the European Union.

Pashinyan later said Armenia has no plans to hold a referendum on whether to remain in the EAEU or pursue EU membership.

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