Armenian authorities have called Russian propagandist Simonyan an animal

Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alain Simonyan reacted sharply to statements made by Russian propagandist Margarita Simonyan, calling her and her like-minded colleagues “fantastical creatures.”

The statement came amid another wave of criticism from Russian propagandists over Yerevan’s policy of distancing itself from Moscow.

Tensions escalated ahead of a visit to Armenia by a high-ranking U.S. official, as well as against the backdrop of statements by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan regarding a change in the country’s foreign policy course.

Earlier, Armenia appealed to the EU to send a rapid response team to counter Russian influence.

Armenia could receive visa-free travel to the EU within two years — Pashinyan

The EU has confirmed its support for Armenia’s European aspirations.

Pashinyan also stated that Armenia is seeking EU membership.