The new European Union (EU) civilian mission in Armenia is a tool for political interference, not real assistance, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a press briefing Friday.

According to her, under the pretext of combating illegal financial flows, cyberattacks and information manipulation, the EU is seeking to gain leverage in order to influence the Armenian ministries and state institutions, including the results of the June 7 parliamentary elections.

"The mission, which in words intends to combat interference in the affairs of a sovereign state, is itself a tool for such interference," Zakharova said.

Also, the Russian MFA spokesperson drew a parallel with a similar EU mission in Moldova, and questioned its real benefit in strengthening democratic institutions.

As per Zakharova, the expansion of the EU presence in the South Caucasus contradicts the principle of regional accountability and poses a threat to stability.

She expressed hope that the Armenian side will not allow the new EU mission to be used to interfere in the country's internal affairs.