DISINFO: Brussels and Washington want to create a belt of unfriendly countries around Russia
SUMMARY
Armenia is gradually curtailing its activities in integration structures in the post-Soviet space, primarily in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). It is also reorienting its foreign policy towards the West. Such actions by the Armenian authorities seem extremely dangerous for the country, both in terms of socio-economic consequences and national security.
Over the past few years, the Armenian authorities have periodically returned to the topic of closer cooperation with the EU and the US.
This, in turn, finds a response from Brussels and Washington, and for them one of the most important foreign policy goals continues to be the creation of a belt of unfriendly countries around Russia.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative, accusing the West of attempting to encircle Russia. This message aims to frame Russia as the ultimate target of international events, conflicts, revolutions and protests.
The claim was made after Armenia's government officially endorsed a draft bill, initiating its process of joining the European Union. The bill was drawn up following a successful petition.
Pro-Kremlin outlets advance the claim that the post-Soviet space, especially the Caucasus and Central Asia, is exclusively within Russia's zone of geopolitical dominance.
The EU and US recognise the importance of the sovereignty and strategic autonomy of the countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia, individually and as a region.
Relations between the EU and former USSR countries are based on mutual consent, bilateral interests, and benefits.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives: Certain forces have encircled Russia with an explosive geopolitical belt; the West is forcing post-Soviet states to choose between "Russia or the West"; the US wants to turn Armenia into an anti-Russian stronghold; the collective West does not abandon attempts to destabilise the South Caucasus; the EU punishes Georgia for being independent and not Russophobic enough; The West has intensified its attempts to shake the CIS; the West increases pressure on CIS to break old ties; EU uses CIS to contain Russia by all means: financial, economic, and military.