Lavrov accused the European Union of direct interference in the elections in Armenia and Moldova

On August 28, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced the direct interference of the European Union in the electoral processes in Armenia and Moldova. According to him, European missions are trying to influence the situation in these countries by fighting so-called "hybrid threats."

The Russian Foreign Minister noted that Western structures are acting less defiantly than in Romania, where in 2024 the leader of the race was removed from the election after the first round without explanation, but the interference remains obvious. Lavrov stressed that analysts in countries that are "flirting with the European Union" should realize the true goals of the EU.

Answering the question about the similarity of the current processes in Armenia with the events in Ukraine in 2013, the minister recalled that the reason for the Maidan was Kiev's request to postpone the signing of the Association agreement with the EU due to the risks to the CIS free trade area.

"We just told them that if they open the border with Europe, we will have to close our border, because we are joining the WTO (World Trade Association. — Ed.), they have been seeking tariff protection from Europe for 18 years," Lavrov explained in an interview with the RBC television channel, it was published on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

According to the minister, Russia is doing everything necessary to maintain ties with Yerevan. He stressed that Armenia receives significant benefits from its participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), including energy resources, the cost of which is three to four times lower than prices in the European Union.

Lavrov also expressed surprise at the public statements of the Armenian side regarding the operation of the South Caucasus Railway, which is under concession from Russian Railways. He noted that instead of a partnership discussion of emerging issues, there are allegations of a debt of $ 2 billion.

"If they have already arisen, tell your partner about how you think about this. Instead, a public statement is being made that it is "them" and that we owe them $2 billion," the Russian Foreign Minister said.

As an example of foreign interference, Lavrov cited the situation in Moldova, where, according to him, the President of the republic, Maia Sandu, was elected at the expense of polling stations in Europe, while in Russia the opportunities for the diaspora to vote were artificially limited. The minister pointed out that less than half of the voters in the country supported the movement towards the European Union.

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Why do Pashinyan's opponents associate what is happening in the country with its European course

On August 24, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called the change in relations between Russia and Armenia a natural process, and not the result of political decisions on anyone's part. According to the Armenian Prime Minister, for many years, relations between the Russian Federation and the republic have been built only on the basis of security. But in 2021-2023, when the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan escalated, Russia allegedly "faced restrictions in fulfilling this (security guarantee. — Ed.) roles".

On the same day, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, said that Armenia would never become a member of the EU, but would spoil relations with Russia and the EAEU for a long time. According to Medvedev, Russia should not "throw beads in front of pigs" in relation to Armenia.