Russia is concerned that the EU mission on the border with Azerbaijan could become permanent with the approval of Armenia, Deputy Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry Mikhail Galuzin said Friday, July 12.

According to him, there is also reason to believe that Western countries, during the EU mission in Armenia, are collecting intelligence regarding Russian objects, as well as objects of all states neighboring Armenia.

“We are also concerned that with the approval of Yerevan, the mission is not only expanding, but also threatening to turn from temporary to permanent,” he said.

In March, the Armenian parliament ratified an agreement with the European Union signed in November 2023 on the status of the EU mission on the border with Azerbaijan.

Galuzin noted that the arrival of Canadian representatives to the EU mission in Armenia means “creeping penetration” of NATO into the region.

“As you know, in April of this year, Canadian representatives joined the mission, which de facto means creeping penetration of NATO into the South Caucasus,” Galuzin told RIA Novosti.

He noted that the Russian side constantly raises the matter in contacts with Yerevan and other regional partners.