Expert: EU to allocate money to Armenia from frozen Russian assets

The European Union's recent decision to allocate funds from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine has sparked controversy, especially in Armenia.

According to Armenian international expert Grigor Balasanyan, the EU plans to use 90 per cent of these assets' proceeds to purchase weapons for Ukraine, channelling the funds into the EU Peace Support Fund.

Balasanyan highlights that Armenia will receive a substantial sum of 10 million euros from this fund to bolster its defence capabilities, Caliber.Az reports.

In his commentary, Balasanyan criticizes the EU's move, labelling it as "theft in broad daylight" and expressing concerns about the implications for smaller states like Armenia. He argues that such financial allocations make these countries complicit and keep them within the EU's sphere of influence under the threat of future collective responsibility.

"Can one be so shortsighted and agree to be part of European affairs? Is Armenia in such dire need of this money? The rapper's failed concert received twice that amount. And here - the Europeans are increasing our security, well, well..." he said.

Balasanyan concluded his commentary with a quote from Otto von Bismarck: "Do not expect that once taking advantage of Russia's weakness, you will receive dividends forever. Russians have always come for their money. And when they come - do not rely on an agreement signed by you, you are supposed to justify. They are not worth the paper it is written on. Therefore, with the Russians, it is best to play fair or not play at all."