Armenia Seeks Russian Expertise in Countering Hybrid Threats, Maintains Open Dialogue with EU

Armenia is open to learning from Russia’s experience in combating hybrid threats, provided Moscow is willing to share its strategies, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated on Monday, March 23, 2026. This comes as Armenia faces ongoing hybrid attacks, including disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks, with some traced back to Russia, according to Mirzoyan.

Hybrid Attacks Targeting Armenia

Armenian authorities have repeatedly warned of facing hybrid warfare, encompassing disinformation, cyberattacks, and other destabilizing tactics. Mirzoyan emphasized that these attacks are occurring, noting that some originate through media outlets and involve both deliberate actions and unintentional dissemination of information. Armenpress reports that the Foreign Minister acknowledged the presence of statements from Russian officials and experts that interfere with Armenia’s sovereignty.

Seeking Cooperation with Russia and the EU

Despite identifying potential Russian involvement in some hybrid attacks, Armenia remains open to cooperation on security issues with all partners. “If the Russian Federation has its own experience in combating hybrid threats and is ready to share it, we do not object. Let them share it, and we will spot what that experience is,” Mirzoyan said.

Simultaneously, Armenia is actively engaging with the European Union, recognizing its extensive experience in countering hybrid threats. Ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, Yerevan has requested the deployment of a Hybrid Rapid Response Team from the EU to help prevent external interference during the vote.

EU and Russian Offers of Assistance

The EU has responded positively to Armenia’s request, planning to send a Hybrid Rapid Response Team to bolster election security. Cooperation with the EU is not intended as a move against Russia, Armenian authorities have stressed.

Russia has also offered assistance, with Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova stating Moscow is prepared to send experts to aid in election preparations if needed, suggesting potential avenues for parallel cooperation. CaspianPost

Recent Armenia-Russia Diplomatic Engagement

This development follows a period of fluctuating relations between Armenia and Russia. High-level contacts have increased in recent weeks, signaling a potential warming trend after years of deterioration. On May 21, 2025, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Yerevan. During the meeting, a Program of Consultations for 2025-2026 was signed between the two countries’ foreign ministries. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia