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Tag: Maria Zakharova

  • Russia Labels Canada a ‘Warmonger’ Over Ukraine Drone Partnership, Vows Response

    Russia Labels Canada a ‘Warmonger’ Over Ukraine Drone Partnership, Vows Response

    Tensions between Russia and Canada have escalated after Moscow condemned a newly announced drone production partnership between Canadian and Ukrainian companies, accusing Ottawa of fueling the conflict in Ukraine and pledging a response.

    Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described Canada as a “warmonger” during a press briefing in Moscow, criticizing a deal that could see Canadian-manufactured drones supplied to Ukrainian forces on the front lines of the ongoing war.

    The agreement, announced by the Canadian government two weeks ago, involves a collaboration between Ukrainian drone manufacturer Airlogix and Hamilton, Ontario-based drone company Sentinel R&D. The partnership aims to combine Canadian production capabilities with Ukrainian battlefield expertise as Kyiv continues to modernize its military operations.

    Zakharova argued that the arrangement enables Ukraine to secure military supplies through a third country and claimed it contradicts Canada’s stated support for peace and diplomacy. She further stated that she intended to publicly share the address of the Canadian company involved in the project.

    Russian officials have also suggested that the drone partnership will factor into Moscow’s military and political calculations. Russia’s ambassador to Canada accused Ottawa of attempting to profit from the conflict, while insisting that Russia is taking the development seriously in its strategic planning.

    Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty rejected Moscow’s criticism and emphasized that Canada would continue supporting Ukraine despite Russian objections.

    “We would expect the Russians to be critical because they don’t appreciate the fact that NATO is coming together to assist a country that’s in need,” McGuinty told reporters on Parliament Hill.

    The minister added that Canadian authorities would continue monitoring the situation but remain committed to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.

    The dispute highlights the growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, unmanned aerial systems have become one of the most significant tools on the battlefield, playing a major role in reconnaissance, targeting, and attack operations.

    The conflict itself began in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of fighting in eastern Ukraine. The war expanded dramatically in February 2022 when Russia launched a large-scale invasion, leading to one of the most significant security crises in Europe since World War II.

    As Western nations continue supplying military assistance to Kyiv, Moscow has repeatedly criticized countries supporting Ukraine, warning that such actions prolong the conflict. Canada remains among Ukraine’s strongest international supporters, providing military aid, training, financial assistance, and diplomatic backing since the start of the war.

    The latest exchange of accusations underscores the continuing geopolitical tensions between Russia and NATO member states as the conflict enters its fifth year.

  • Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan Claims Election Victory in Vote Seen as Test of Russia’s Influence

    Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan Claims Election Victory in Vote Seen as Test of Russia’s Influence

    Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has declared victory in the country’s parliamentary election after preliminary results showed his ruling Civil Contract party securing nearly half of all votes cast, strengthening his mandate to pursue closer ties with the West and reduce Armenia’s dependence on Russia.

    According to preliminary figures released by Armenia’s Central Election Commission, Civil Contract won 49.82% of the vote, comfortably ahead of the Strong Armenia bloc led by businessman Samvel Karapetyan, which received 23.28%.

    The election was widely viewed as a referendum on Armenia’s geopolitical future, with voters effectively choosing between Pashinyan’s pro-Western agenda and opposition groups advocating stronger relations with Moscow.

    Speaking after casting his ballot, Pashinyan reaffirmed his commitment to deeper cooperation with Europe.

    “The European Union is our main partner in democratic reform implementation, and we will continue that path,” he said.

    The result is expected to allow Pashinyan’s party to govern without coalition partners. Preliminary projections indicate Civil Contract will hold 61 seats in Armenia’s 101-member National Assembly, enough to form a government, approve legislation, and pass the state budget independently.

    Political analyst Richard Giragosian described the vote as a defining moment for the South Caucasus nation.

    “This election stands as a referendum on the future of the country,” he said, adding that it provides a renewed mandate for diplomatic engagement, normalization with neighboring states, and diversification of Armenia’s security partnerships.

    The election took place amid escalating tensions between Armenia and Russia. In recent weeks, Moscow imposed a series of restrictions on Armenian exports, including flowers, wine, cognac, potatoes, and fish. While Russian authorities cited regulatory concerns, European officials characterized the measures as economic pressure aimed at influencing Armenian politics.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly emphasized Armenia’s dependence on Russian energy supplies and infrastructure, while Russian officials have warned against Yerevan following a path similar to Ukraine’s growing alignment with the West.

    Pashinyan’s main rival, Karapetyan, campaigned while under house arrest after being charged with advocating the overthrow of the government. He has denied the allegations and described them as politically motivated. His Strong Armenia bloc has accused Pashinyan of risking confrontation with the Kremlin.

    Adding to the controversy, Armenian authorities issued arrest warrants for several Strong Armenia members shortly before the election, alleging vote-buying activities.

    The opposition will still maintain a presence in parliament. The Hayastan bloc, led by former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, secured 9.93% of the vote and is expected to win parliamentary seats. Meanwhile, the Prosperous Armenia party, headed by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, hovered around the threshold required for parliamentary representation.

    Voter turnout reached 58.94%, reflecting strong public engagement in what many viewed as one of Armenia’s most consequential elections in recent years.

    Beyond relations with Russia, the election also carried major implications for regional peace efforts. Pashinyan has continued to push for normalization with neighboring Azerbaijan following decades of conflict over the Karabakh region.

    In August, Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev initialed a framework for a peace agreement during a meeting at the White House alongside U.S. President Donald Trump.

    Pashinyan said Armenia intends to move toward formalizing that agreement and ratifying plans for a major transit corridor crossing Armenian territory, a project expected to enhance regional trade and connectivity.

    European leaders quickly welcomed the election outcome. Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Pashinyan, stating that Armenia’s growing partnership with Europe would continue to deepen.

    European Council President Antonio Costa also praised the strengthening relationship, highlighting cooperation in energy, trade, and digital development.

    Russia responded cautiously. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed the election took place amid Western interference and said Moscow would evaluate future relations based on the actions of Armenia’s leadership.

    The result marks another significant step in Armenia’s evolving foreign policy direction and could reshape the geopolitical balance in the South Caucasus as the country increasingly seeks closer integration with Western institutions while managing its complex relationship with Russia.