Pashinyan wants to strip Russia of its control over the Armenian railway

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called for a change in the management model of the country’s railway network, which is operated under a concession agreement by the Russian company RZD through its subsidiary YUKZhD. 

According to Finport.am, the head of the Armenian government stated that this is necessary to avoid international sanctions imposed on the Russian operator.

According to Pashinyan, changing the concession model is necessary to ensure that sanctions do not become an obstacle for the Armenian railways, which are 100% owned by the Republic of Armenia. He noted that Russia has developed complex sanction-related relations with Western countries, and international companies are seeking to avoid the risk of being blacklisted and are looking for safe routes.

This is the second such hint from the Armenian prime minister directed at Moscow this year. Previously, in February, the head of the Armenian government suggested that the Russian side consider selling this concession to a third country that would be friendly to both Armenia and Russia.

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

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