Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan recently shed light on a brewing concern for his country: a surge in disinformation campaigns, particularly as the 2026 Armenian parliamentary elections draw closer. He suggested that some of these manipulative narratives targeting Armenia, especially Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his government, might be originating from Russia. Mirzoyan emphasized that while disinformation is the primary challenge, these “hybrid threats” could also manifest as cyberattacks. He didn’t shy away from pointing a finger at some Armenian media outlets, accusing them of either intentionally or unintentionally spreading these false narratives. When pressed on Russia’s involvement, Mirzoyan clarified that it’s not about some central, organized office orchestrating everything. Instead, he painted a picture of a more decentralized, yet palpable, influence, citing Russian MPs openly criticizing Armenia’s sovereignty, officials engaging in similar actions, and even “expert circles” disseminating narratives hostile to Armenia — all easily verifiable with a quick online search.
Recognizing the gravity of these threats, Mirzoyan confirmed that Armenia has proactively sought international assistance. The EU, in response, will deploy a “hybrid rapid response team” to Armenia to help them navigate these turbulent waters. This team,
comprising 9-14 experts, is expected to arrive in early April for a 10-15 day visit. Their mission? To work closely with the Prime Minister’s office and the Security Council, helping them craft a robust plan and regulations to effectively manage crises stemming from cyberattacks and foreign information manipulation. Mirzoyan underscored that hybrid attacks are a relatively new and unfamiliar phenomenon for Armenia, unlike other parts of the world where there’s accumulated experience. Therefore, he argued, it only makes sense to seek help from those with the expertise.
However, Mirzoyan’s openness to EU assistance hasn’t been without its critics. Some have voiced concerns that such aid could be perceived as Western interference in Armenia’s internal affairs, particularly with the upcoming elections. Mirzoyan addressed these anxieties head-on, lamenting that “some circles, as soon as they hear the word EU, flinch in fear and think that they have come to swallow us up, cut us off from centuries-old friendly connection.” This statement subtly alluded to Armenia’s historical and deep-rooted ties with Russia, suggesting that these critics might be unduly influenced by the perception of a zero-sum game between Western and Russian influence. He playfully remarked that if the assistance had come from “Madagascar,” it likely wouldn’t have stirred such a reaction, highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding the EU’s involvement. He also clarified that seeking foreign assistance for electoral processes is nothing new for Armenia, a practice that has continued across different administrations, and not just from the EU.
In a move to demonstrate Armenia’s pragmatic and open-minded approach, Mirzoyan also indicated that if Russia possesses valuable experience in combating hybrid attacks and is willing to share it, Armenia is not opposed to considering their help. “Let them share it, and we will see what kind of experience it is,” he stated, signaling that Armenia is primarily focused on acquiring the most effective tools and strategies, regardless of their origin. This stance underscores Armenia’s desire to safeguard its democratic processes and national security from external manipulation, rather than aligning itself exclusively with one geopolitical bloc.
Mirzoyan’s concerns about these “enemies of freedom” who “do not sleep” highlight the broader fight to protect Armenia’s nascent democratic journey and its pursuit of peace. Interestingly, amidst these discussions about hybrid threats and international assistance, Prime Minister Pashinyan held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Armenian reports, their discussion revolved around bilateral agenda items, with an agreement to continue their dialogue in the near future. The Kremlin’s readout further specified that the call, initiated by Armenia, touched upon cooperation in trade, economic, energy, and transport sectors. Conspicuously absent from both readouts, however, was any mention of hybrid attacks on Armenia or Russian-backed disinformation – a silence that speaks volumes about the complexities and sensitivities of Armenia’s geopolitical balancing act.
In essence, Armenia finds itself at a critical juncture, striving to protect its democratic integrity as it prepares for parliamentary elections. Foreign Minister Mirzoyan’s candid remarks paint a picture of a nation grappling with insidious, often unseen, external pressures aimed at undermining its sovereignty and democratic processes. While actively seeking assistance from the EU to bolster its defenses against these hybrid threats, Armenia also endeavors to maintain a nuanced relationship with Russia, its traditional ally. The ongoing challenge for Armenia lies in navigating this intricate geopolitical landscape, securing its democratic future, and ensuring that the voice of its people remains unmanipulated by external forces.