On July 12, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin expressed concern that the European Union observation mission, with Yerevan's approval, might become permanent.

"We are also concerned that with Yerevan's approval, the mission is not only expanding but threatens to turn from a temporary to a permanent one," he stated. He also noted that the mission saw the inclusion of Canadian representatives in April this year, which he stressed "de facto means creeping penetration of NATO members into the South Caucasus."

Galuzin emphasized that Russia frequently discusses the EU mission with Yerevan and other regional partners. He reiterated that Russia believes sustainable peace in the South Caucasus can only be achieved through the comprehensive implementation of the trilateral agreements made by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia between 2020 and 2022. The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister also indicated that Westerners in Armenia might be gathering intelligence on Russian facilities and neighboring states.

Russia Alerts CSTO of Western Influence Risks in Armenia

On July 12, Russian Permanent Representative to the CSTO Viktor Vasilyev stated that a complicated situation is developing in the Caucasus region. 

He emphasized that Western countries are making overt attempts to influence the situation in Armenia's neighboring countries. Vasilyev expressed concern that these actions could lead to destabilization, posing security threats to all CSTO member states.

"Western countries are trying to interfere in the situation in Armenia's neighboring countries, which also worries the CSTO, as in case of destabilization of the situation in these countries, it will become one of the security threats for all CSTO member states," Vasilyev stated. He noted that these attempts are evident and include interference concerning neighboring Iran. "Naturally, in case of destabilization of the situation in the Caucasus, this will be one of the real security threats for all CSTO member states," he added.