MOSCOW, July 17 — Russia has sharply criticized the European Union’s recent financial pledge to Armenia, accusing Brussels of using economic assistance as a political tool to exert influence over third countries.
Speaking at a press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova dismissed the EU’s funding commitment as a familiar strategy aimed at “ensnaring” partner states through conditional support. “This is a textbook example of the European Commission’s tactics—lavish promises followed by mechanisms of control,” she said. “They skim off the benefits while binding the recipients with obligations.”
Zakharova accused the EU and NATO of repeatedly inflating the value of their aid commitments and manipulating financial packages. “They often count the same assistance multiple times, initiate all sorts of schemes, promise one amount and deliver half—or nothing at all,” she claimed.
She emphasized that Moscow has no intention of scrutinizing Yerevan’s financial dealings with European institutions, stating, “That’s between Armenia and the euro-structures.” However, she reiterated Moscow’s view that the EU has long used economic aid as a lever to interfere in the domestic affairs of sovereign states.
The comments come amid growing tensions between Russia and Armenia, as Yerevan continues to deepen ties with the West, including its cooperation with EU institutions. The EU has recently pledged to increase financial and technical support to Armenia as part of its engagement with Eastern Partnership countries.
Russia’s increasingly vocal criticism reflects broader unease in Moscow over Armenia’s shifting foreign policy priorities, particularly following a series of diplomatic rifts and Armenia’s suspension of full participation in the Russian-led CSTO military bloc.
