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Russia Intensifies Disinformation Campaigns in Armenia, EU’s Kallas Warns
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has issued a stark warning about Russia’s increasing disinformation activities in Armenia, particularly as the country moves closer to the European Union and ahead of upcoming elections.
Speaking at a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kallas highlighted a troubling pattern of foreign interference that targets countries seeking stronger ties with the EU.
“We see that the closer a country gets to the European Union, the greater the pressure from malign foreign influence,” Kallas stated. “Russia and its proxies are ramping up disinformation campaigns, including in Armenia ahead of next year’s election.”
The warning comes at a critical juncture in Armenia’s geopolitical positioning. Following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and subsequent tensions with Azerbaijan, Armenia has been gradually pivoting toward Europe, seeking to diversify its diplomatic and economic relationships beyond traditional ties with Russia.
The EU official pointed to Moldova as both a cautionary tale and a success story in combating such interference. “Moldova was this year’s primary target, but also the best proof that this challenge can be overcome,” Kallas noted. Moldova, like Armenia, has faced significant Russian pressure as it has sought closer integration with European structures.
The timing of these remarks is particularly significant as Armenia prepares for the first Armenia-EU summit, scheduled to take place in Yerevan on May 5. This historic meeting represents a milestone in Armenia’s evolving relationship with Europe and underscores the growing strategic importance the EU places on the South Caucasus region.
Regional analysts suggest that Russia views Armenia’s westward orientation with increasing concern. Having long considered the South Caucasus within its sphere of influence, Moscow has employed various tools, including information warfare, to maintain leverage in the region. Armenia’s traditional reliance on Russia for security guarantees has complicated its efforts to pursue a more balanced foreign policy.
The disinformation campaigns reportedly target Armenian public opinion through multiple channels, including social media platforms, local proxy outlets, and coordinated narrative manipulation. Common tactics include portraying European integration as a threat to Armenian sovereignty, traditional values, and security interests.
In response to these challenges, Kallas emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting countries facing such pressures. “We will keep mobilizing the External Action Service assets we have created over the last decade while supporting civil society and free media,” she assured.
The EU official also stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to countering foreign interference. “As we learned from Moldova, countering foreign interference and defending the integrity of elections requires a ‘whole-of-society’ approach,” Kallas explained.
This approach typically involves strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing media literacy, supporting independent journalism, and creating resilient information ecosystems that can withstand deliberate attempts at manipulation.
For Armenia, a landlocked nation of approximately three million people, the stakes of this information battle are high. The country has experienced significant political transformation since its 2018 Velvet Revolution, which brought democratic reforms and opened new possibilities for international partnerships, including with the European Union.
As Armenia prepares for both elections and the upcoming summit with the EU, observers note that the country finds itself at the center of competing geopolitical interests, with information warfare becoming an increasingly prominent battleground.
The EU’s public acknowledgment of these challenges signals its readiness to support Armenia in navigating this complex landscape, while also reflecting broader concerns about Russia’s strategies to counter European influence in what Moscow considers its “near abroad.”
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9 Comments
Russia’s meddling in Armenia’s affairs is unacceptable. The people of Armenia should be able to determine their own future without pressure from Moscow. I hope the EU can provide robust support to Armenia in combating Russian disinformation.
Agreed. Armenia needs to remain vigilant and work closely with its European partners to expose and counter Russian propaganda. The integrity of their elections is critical.
Russia’s escalating disinformation campaign in Armenia is a concerning development. The EU should provide Armenia with the necessary tools and expertise to identify and debunk false narratives. Protecting the democratic process is crucial as Armenia charts its own path.
The Kremlin’s disinformation efforts are a clear attempt to undermine Armenia’s burgeoning ties with the EU. However, the Armenian people have shown their commitment to democratic values, and I’m confident they will see through Russia’s manipulations.
Well said. Armenia’s citizens must remain vigilant and trust their own judgment, not the false narratives pushed by Moscow. The EU’s support will be crucial in this fight.
This is deeply concerning. Russia’s disinformation campaigns are a serious threat to Armenia’s democratic process and sovereignty. The EU must stand firm in supporting Armenia’s path toward greater European integration and protecting it from foreign interference.
As Armenia moves closer to the EU, it’s no surprise that Russia is ramping up its disinformation efforts. This is a classic Kremlin tactic to sow chaos and undermine pro-Western aspirations. The EU must help Armenia strengthen its resilience against these malign influences.
This is a worrying trend, but not unexpected. Russia will do whatever it takes to maintain its influence in the region, even if it means resorting to underhanded tactics. The EU must stand firmly with Armenia and help it navigate these challenging waters.
This is a concerning development, but not surprising given Russia’s track record of interfering in the affairs of its neighbors. The EU must provide robust assistance to Armenia to help it counter Russian disinformation and strengthen its democratic institutions.