Armenia sets deadline for Russian border guard withdrawal from Yerevan airport

YEREVAN — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian announced on Tuesday that Armenia has issued an ultimatum to Russia, demanding the withdrawal of its border guards from Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport by 1 August.

For decades, Russian border guards have been stationed not only at Zvartnots but also along Armenia’s borders with Turkey and Iran, as part of the close military ties between the two nations. However, a senior official disclosed on 6 March the Armenian government’s decision to remove them from the airport, marking a significant development amid the ongoing strain in Yerevan’s relations with Moscow.

Pashinian clarified that the demand was formally conveyed to the commanders of the Russian border guards in Armenia. “They were informed that … the Armenian border guard service at Zvartnots has gained enough experience and skills to carry out border controls at the airport without the help of the Russian side,” Pashinian stated during a news conference.

“The deadline is set for 1 August 2024. From 1 August, we will perform the service on our own,” he added.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Armenia notified Russia of its decision via letter and stated that relevant Russian and Armenian officials are currently in “contacts” on the matter. “I can’t say more now,” Peskov told reporters. “Naturally, contacts at all possible levels will continue.”

Responding to the demand, Viktor Bondarev, a senior member of Russia’s upper house of parliament, described it as the Pashinian government’s “first major unfriendly step” against Russia. Bondarev suggested that Yerevan might seek the withdrawal of all Russian border guards and military forces from Armenia, cautioning against such a move. “I would not recommend that the Armenian authorities even think about” doing that, he remarked.

However, Pashinian has not indicated any plans for such a complete withdrawal. His foreign minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, emphasized last week that the Armenian government’s intention is solely for the Russian border guards to leave the airport.

The situation underscores the complexities in Armenia-Russia relations and raises questions about the future dynamics between the two countries in terms of military cooperation and regional security. With the 1 August deadline looming, both sides are expected to engage in further discussions to navigate this sensitive issue.