Putin Offers to Withdraw Russian Military Base from Armenia

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia is prepared to withdraw its military base from Gyumri if the Armenian government and its citizens no longer desire its presence. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Putin stated that Russia will not impose its military presence on Armenia and would leave "tomorrow" if Yerevan decided the base was unnecessary. While he questioned if Armenia was ready for such a withdrawal, he emphasized that Russia remains willing to cooperate if the Armenian people want the military wing to stay.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded by stating that Armenia would not object if Russia decided to withdraw the 102nd Military Base. During a press briefing, Pashinyan clarified that the Armenian government does not consider the base's presence a "vital necessity," although he noted that Yerevan remains open to discussions if Russia expresses a desire to stay. Pashinyan further maintained that his government has not raised the issue of the base's status during the current period.