Russian border guards have left "Zvartnots" airport
Russia has officially completed the withdrawal of its border guards from Yerevan's "Zvartnots" International Airport. This process took place on Wednesday. Armenian authorities had demanded months ago that the Russian side terminate its service at the airport.
For decades, border guards from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), together with their Armenian counterparts, carried out passport control at "Zvartnots." However, earlier this year, the Armenian government announced that the Armenian side now has sufficient experience and capabilities to carry out border control independently.
This decision was made against the backdrop of tension in relations between Armenia and Russia. Recently, Yerevan has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with Moscow's policy and security cooperation. The removal of Russian border guards from the airport is seen as a step aimed at strengthening Armenia's sovereignty.
Representatives of Armenia and Russia have signed a corresponding protocol, which officially confirmed the handover of the service. From now on, only personnel of the Armenian border guard troops will work at all border points of the airport.
Despite this change, Russian border guards still remain on Armenia's borders with Turkey and Iran. Nevertheless, their removal from "Zvartnots" is an important change in the strategic relations between the two countries.