DISINFO: Visa liberalisation dictated by the EU's desire to fan the flames in the Caucasus
SUMMARY
The West's "generosity" in the current geopolitical situation should be viewed with caution. Visa liberalisation is opportunistic, dictated by the EU's desire to increase its influence in the South Caucasus and fuel geopolitical rivalry in the region.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing an allegedly aggressive West of playing a destabilising role in the Caucasus.
The claim was made in the context of the official start of Armenia-EU visa liberalisation negotiations. This is part of an ongoing pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign against Armenia, amid the country's contact with the EU.
Pro-Kremlin media promote the idea that Armenia and the Caucasus are exclusively within Russia's zone of geopolitical dominance. Russia openly pressure Yerevan with false claims such as the West is trying to drive a wedge between Armenia and Russia and using Armenia to oust Russia from the Caucasus.
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.
Armenia became a frequent target of Kremlin propaganda for its closer political cooperation with the EU, military cooperation with several member states, deployment of the EU civilian mission in the territory of Armenia, and several other actions, like ratification of the Rome statute, and freezing membership in CSTO, or holding joint Armenian-US military exercises. Pro-Kremlin media accusing Armenia of unfriendly moves, flirting with Western countries, and changing its geopolitical orientation.
Read similar disinformation cases: EU promises Armenia a "visa-free regime" in exchange for Armenia's independence and sovereignty; EU negotiations on the visa-free regime is a sign of Armenia's annexation; 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; The West does not seek peace in Armenia, wants to oust Russia from Caucasus; Germany is trying to drag Armenia into the anti-Russian policies of the West; Pashinyan is a Western tool to squeeze Russia out of the South Caucasus; Anglo-Saxons decided to turn Armenia into another anti-Russian front; Armenia is being turned into another tool of Western geopolitics.