Armenia Seeks Russia & EU Help to Counter Hybrid Threats | Election Security

March 23, 2026 Rachel Kim – Technology Editor Technology

Armenia is open to receiving expertise from Russia on countering hybrid threats, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated Monday, while simultaneously seeking assistance from the European Union to safeguard its upcoming parliamentary elections. Mirzoyan indicated Yerevan would evaluate any experience Moscow is willing to share, according to reports from The Caspian Post via Russian media.

“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 see what that experience is,” Mirzoyan said. The statement comes amid ongoing concerns within the Armenian government regarding what officials have described as hybrid attacks targeting the country. Earlier this month, Mirzoyan indicated that some of these attacks could be traced to Russia, according to Armenpress.

Despite this acknowledgement, Armenia is also actively engaging with European partners on security matters. Mirzoyan confirmed that Yerevan has requested the deployment of a “rapid response group” from the EU to facilitate prevent external interference during the June 7 parliamentary elections. He emphasized that this cooperation is not intended as a move against Russia.

Moscow has signaled a willingness to offer assistance as well. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Russia is prepared to send experts to assist with election preparations if requested, suggesting potential avenues for parallel cooperation.

Mirzoyan’s comments followed a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Yerevan on May 21, 2025, where both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, according to the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During that meeting, a Program of Consultations for 2025-2026 was signed between the two countries’ foreign ministries.

Ararat Mirzoyan, who has served as Armenia’s Foreign Minister since August 2021, previously held the position of President of the National Assembly from January 2019 to August 2021. He is a founding member of the Civil Contract Party.