The EU has declared that the regulation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan should not become a hostage of the Russia-EU competition, Peter Stano, EU Foreign Affairs spokesman, told RIA Novosti.

He commented on the reaction of the Russian Foreign Ministry to the launch of a two-year European mission in Armenia for regional settlement.

Stano emphasized that the Russian Federation is mistaken, considering that the EU's role in the settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is directed against Russia.

"Russia misunderstood the purpose of this mission and continues to misjudge the EU's involvement in the region. Most importantly, it is not Russia's business. The EU mission was launched at the request and free decision of the Armenian authorities.

Of course, the EU is also in contact with the authorities of Azerbaijan on this issue," he explained, adding that the EU is aware of Russia's role in ending the clashes in November 2020.

"This civilian mission will serve as a key element to support the EU's efforts to normalize Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. The European Union assumed that role after the respective request of both parties," said the agency's interlocutor.

According to Stano, the purpose of the mission is, in particular, to strengthen the security and confidence of the local population.

"All other rumors and speculations circulating on social networks these days are completely baseless," the official concluded.