Armenia Does Not Need a Russian Military Base in Gyumri – Pashinyan
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the country has no need for the Russian Federation’s 102nd military base to be stationed in Gyumri, as its presence does not enhance the country’s security. According to him, if the Russian side decides to withdraw its troops, Yerevan will not object.
The head of the Armenian government emphasized that the events of September 2022 demonstrated that this base is not vital to the country’s defense—at that time, Russia refused to support Armenia in the war with Azerbaijan. Pashinyan noted: “If they decide to withdraw it, we will not object. The 102nd military base adds nothing to Armenia’s security. If they do not want to withdraw it, we are ready to discuss this issue as well. We don’t need this base.”
He made this statement during a conversation with journalists, according to Armenpress.
On September 6, Pashinyan had already stated that he does not consider the presence of Russian troops in Armenia to be a vital necessity.
In Armenia’s new government program for 2026–2031, Russia is no longer referred to as a strategic ally.
