Russian forces to withdraw from various regions of Armenia

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the activities of the Russian military and border guards in Armenia were discussed during the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the Kremlin Palace yesterday.

Stating that an agreement was reached between the leaders for the withdrawal of the Russian military and border guards from certain regions of Armenia, Peskov said, "In the autumn of 2020, at the request of the Armenian side, our soldiers and border guards were deployed to certain regions in Armenia. Pashinyan said today that due to changing circumstances, this is no longer necessary, so President Putin agreed, and it was decided that our soldiers and border guards would be withdrawn."

RUSSIAN FORCES WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE ON ARMENIA'S BORDERS WITH TURKEY AND IRAN

Emphasizing that the Armenian side also requested that Russian border guards continue their duties on Armenia's borders with Turkey and Iran during the meeting, Peskov stated, "Again, at the request of the Armenian side, our border guards will remain on the Armenia-Turkey and Armenia-Iran borders and will continue to carry out their duties."

Reports in the Russian press, citing Armenian officials, stated that Putin and Pashinyan agreed on the withdrawal of Russian forces from 5 regions in Armenia.

RUSSIAN BORDER GUARDS WILL ALSO WITHDRAW FROM ZVARTNOTS

On the other hand, Pashinyan recently announced that he had approved the decision providing for the withdrawal of Russian troops and border guards on the contact line with Azerbaijan, as well as Russian troops stationed at Zvartnots International Airport in the Armenian capital, Yerevan. Russian border guards are expected to withdraw from Zvartnots International Airport starting August 1.