Moscow justifies Baku's concerns on EU Mission's activities in Armenia “They’re spying on neighbours, not promoting stability”

Russia has expressed support for Azerbaijan’s concerns over the European Union’s monitoring mission in Armenia, with Moscow accusing the EU of espionage activities under the guise of promoting stability in the South Caucasus.

“We are aware of Baku’s concerns—justified concerns—regarding the activities of the EU mission in Armenia,” Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during a briefing on June 11, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

According to Zakharova, the so-called mission’s personnel are “spying on the countries neighbouring Armenia,” and are not accountable to Yerevan.

“They do not contribute in any way to regional stability,” she added.

The Russian official also addressed speculations about the future of the Russian military base in Armenia, denying any suggestions that its withdrawal was under discussion. “We have received no signals from Yerevan about any potential withdrawal,” she said.

“Officials of the Republic [of Armenia] have confirmed—also publicly—that such issues are not on the agenda,” Zakharova noted, emphasising that Armenia continues to see Russia’s military presence as “an important element of the regional security architecture.”

She clarified that the deployment and operation of the base are regulated by bilateral agreements between Moscow and Yerevan, and stressed that this issue has never been raised in the context of Russia’s relations with Azerbaijan.

By Khagan Isayev