Russian border guards officially leave Zvartnots Airport
Russia has completed the withdrawal of its border guards from Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport. This process officially concluded on Wednesday. The Armenian authorities presented this demand earlier this year, stating that the country is now ready to carry out border control independently.
For decades, Russian border guards worked at the airport alongside their Armenian counterparts. They were responsible for passport control and border security. However, the Armenian government decided that the Armenian side now possesses sufficient experience and technical capabilities to perform this work without foreign assistance.
The withdrawal process proceeded calmly and according to the planned schedule. An official ceremony took place at the airport, during which both sides signed the relevant protocols. From now on, only the border guard troops of Armenia's National Security Service will operate at all checkpoints of Zvartnots Airport.
This event is of significant importance for Armenia. Although Russian border guards continue to monitor Armenia's borders with Turkey and Iran, their departure from the airport is viewed as a step toward strengthening the country's sovereignty. It also reflects the current shifts in relations between Armenia and Russia.
Armenian officials assure that airport security will remain at a high level. The quality of service for passengers will not change, and border checks will continue as usual, ensuring uninterrupted flights and entries into the country.