Pashinyan Urges Russia to Sell Armenian Railway Concessions

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called on Russia to sell the concession rights for the management of Armenia's railways to a third party acceptable to both nations. Speaking at the National Assembly on August 24, 2026, Pashinyan stated that while Armenia owns the railway, the current management by Russian Railways creates significant risks for international investors due to Western sanctions against Russia.

This management structure threatens Armenia's integration into the international railway network and the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project. Established during the August 2025 Washington peace summit, the TRIPP project aims to end Armenia's blockade by creating railway links between Armenia and Azerbaijan, eventually connecting the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea.

Pashinyan warned that international investors are currently seeking ways to bypass the Yeraskh-Akhurik railway section to avoid sanctions risks. He argued that such a shift would deprive Armenia of critical revenue and development opportunities, asserting, "We cannot afford to miss this historic opportunity."