DISINFO: Europe needs Armenia to show that it has torn another country away from Russia
SUMMARY
Europe needs Armenia, firstly, for propaganda purposes, to show that they have torn another country away from Russia, that another country has joined the European ranks, refusing to work with Russia.
Strategically, the European Union as such does not need Armenia at all. They can take advantage of this in those situational moments, and then present an ultimatum, dictate conditions that will be beneficial to it after the process of breaking off relations with Russia is completed. And we can clearly see how Europe "helps".
RESPONSE
A recurring pro-Kremlin anti-EU disinformation claim discrediting Armenia's cooperation with the West.
This statement was made, when Armenia’s parliament has officially adopted a law on launching the country’s accession process to the European Union.
The claim is part of an ongoing pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign against Armenia, amid the country's growing cooperation with the West. Pro-Kremlin media promotes the idea that Armenia is exclusively within Russia's zone of geopolitical dominance, discrediting any rapprochement with other countries. Russia has cautioned Yerevan that the West wants to tear Armenia away from Russia. Russia also warns that the EU promises Armenia a "visa-free regime" in exchange for Armenia's independence and sovereignty.
Armenia has been a sovereign and independent state since 1991 when it proclaimed its independence from the former USSR. As a sovereign state, Armenia is free to decide its foreign policy and alliances.
The EU supports Armenian sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and inviolability of the borders of Armenia, as well as the country's peaceful aspirations. Russia perceives these independent actions by former Soviet states as a threat to what it considers its ‘sphere of influence’, aggressively targeting these independent moves.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives: Armenia needs to be wary of the West which is specialised in colour revolutions; The Armenian authorities have finally sold themselves to the West, the West wants to transform Armenia in a "new Ukraine" or an "anti-Russia; Armenia is an instrument in the Western plan to oust Russia from the Caucasus; Armenia is controlled by the US, France and the EU; The West wants to tear Armenia away from Russia.