Russia slams EU's aid to Armenia as maneuver to destabilise South Caucasus

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has criticised the EU’s plan to allocate 10 million euros ($10.8 million) to the Armenian Armed Forces, claiming it is driven by geopolitical motives aimed at extending its destructive influence in the South Caucasus.

“At a time when the West struggles to tolerate the prospect of a more peaceful region, the European Peace Facility seems to contribute more to conflict and bloodshed than to peace and stability. The Western approach of arming the South Caucasus only serves to perpetuate instability, aligning with a ‘divide and conquer’ strategy,” Zakharova remarked during a briefing on July 24, Caliber.Az reports.

Zakharova also contended that the EU has abandoned its peaceful foundation and lacks the potential for fostering peace.

The European Council adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia worth 10 million euros. 

For the first time, the EU decided to support Armenia from the European Peace Facility. The aim of this assistance measure is to enhance the logistical capacities of the Armenian Armed Forces, and to contribute to improved protection of civilians in crises and emergencies. It also aims to enhance the resilience of Armenia and accelerate interoperability of its Armed Forces in case of possible future participation of the country in international military missions and operations, including those deployed by the EU. Concretely, the adopted assistance measure will allow the provision of a fully-fledged deployable tent camp for a battalion-sized unit.