The UK government accused Russia on May 11 of attempting to interfere in Armenia’s domestic politics and upcoming elections, as part of a broad new sanctions package targeting what London called hostile Kremlin activities abroad.

The British government said it had sanctioned 85 individuals and entities linked to Russian influence operations and the deportation of Ukrainian children, including organisations allegedly involved in political interference in Armenia.

In a statement, Britain’s Foreign Office said the Russia-linked Social Design Agency (SDA) had planned campaigns “seeking to establish pro-Russia organisations in Armenia and influence a change in power towards pro-Russia figures.”

London also accused sanctioned Russian entity ANO Dialog of coordinating with Russian intelligence services on “interference plans aimed at Armenian domestic politics.”

The allegations come at a sensitive time for Armenia, which has increasingly distanced itself from its traditional ally Russia following tensions over Moscow’s role in the South Caucasus and its response to regional security crises.

Britain did not provide details of the alleged operations or specify which Armenian political processes were targeted.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the sanctions were intended to counter Russian efforts to “interfere and undermine democracy.”

“The UK will not stand idly by as Putin seeks to sow lies and pro-Kremlin narratives abroad,” she said.

The sanctions package primarily focused on Russia’s war in Ukraine, including measures against individuals and organisations accused of involvement in the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.

Britain said it had now sanctioned more than 3,300 individuals and entities linked to Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine.