Russian border guards have been withdrawn from Zvartnots Airport
Russia on Wednesday completed the withdrawal of its border guards from Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport. This step had been initiated earlier this year at Armenia’s request. The information was published through news sources.
Zvartnots Airport is Armenia’s main international air gateway, and the issue of border control there is of major importance for the country’s security and state administration. The presence of Russian border guards at the airport had a long history.
Armenian authorities had earlier stated that they wanted border service at the airport to be carried out entirely by Armenian institutions. This decision was linked to goals of strengthening state control. As a result, the phased withdrawal of Russian border guards had begun.
That process was completed on Wednesday. This means that border guard functions at Zvartnots Airport are now being transferred fully to the Armenian side. The change concerns the organization of border control at the airport.
The withdrawal is taking place at a time when there are various important issues and discussions in Armenia-Russia relations. However, the main result of this case is that border control at Yerevan’s international airport will now be carried out by Armenia.