Russia and Azerbaijan challenge EU mission in Armenia

In 2023, the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia was launched to address the escalating tensions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. This mission followed a previous EU initiative that operated briefly in late 2022. Since its establishment, the mission has reportedly contributed to a notable reduction in military incidents and casualties, with a significant drop in the death toll among soldiers from both sides. Official Armenian statistics indicate a stark contrast in fatalities, highlighting the mission's role in promoting stability in the region. Despite these positive developments, the mission has been subjected to persistent disinformation campaigns orchestrated by Russian and Azerbaijani officials. These campaigns aim to discredit the mission, portraying it as a tool of Western hybrid warfare and accusing it of intelligence-gathering activities. High-ranking officials from both countries have made claims that the mission operates with ulterior motives, further complicating the perception of its role in the region. The narratives pushed by Russian and Azerbaijani media suggest that the mission is biased against their interests, framing it as an agent of Western influence. This has led to accusations of the mission spreading anti-Azerbaijani and anti-Russian propaganda, which undermines its credibility and effectiveness. As the situation evolves, the ongoing disinformation efforts pose challenges to the mission's objectives, raising concerns about its future and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the South Caucasus.