Armenia has signaled to Moscow its plan to take direct control over the border operations at Zvartnots International Airport. A formal letter outlining this position was delivered to Russian authorities, as reported by Sputnik.Armenia. The message stresses that Yerevan intends to assume responsibility for border duties at the capital’s airport, arguing that Armenian border troops should be on duty there rather than foreign personnel. This stance reflects a broader push by Armenian officials to reexamine the role of external security forces at Zvartnots and to assert national sovereignty over critical points of entry. (Sputnik Armenia)
Yerevan’s officials publicly reiterated this position, stating that the airport should be protected and monitored by Armenian border guards. The assertion came as part of statements attributed to the country’s Security Council Secretary, Armen Grigoryan, who emphasized the need for Armenia to control airport security operations directly. The discussion underscores a ongoing debate within Armenia about balancing regional security commitments and national autonomy at major hubs like Zvartnots. (Sputnik Armenia)
Artur Hovhannisyan, who previously served as secretary of a parliamentary group, indicated that the ruling Civil Contract party has been weighing the practicalities and implications of detaching airport border duties from Russian oversight. The exchanges suggest a formal consideration of operational changes at Zvartnots, potentially reshaping how border security is managed in the capital region. (Sputnik Armenia)
On March 2, Armenian officials, including Grigoryan, highlighted concerns about Armenia’s heavy reliance on Russia, calling the dependency a strategic mistake in the longer term. This sentiment aligns with broader discussions about diversifying security partnerships while maintaining stable ties with Russia. Former Russian foreign ministry officials have also commented on possible adjustments in the Armenia-Russia relationship, signaling a period of careful recalibration rather than abrupt shifts. (Sputnik Armenia)