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 was concluded on Wednesday. Armenian authorities had approached the Russian side months ago, requesting the termination of their service at the airport and the transfer of control to the Armenian side.
For decades, border guards from Russia's Federal Security Service, along with their Armenian counterparts, carried out passport control at Zvartnots. However, the Armenian government recently announced that the country now possesses sufficient experience and technical capabilities to ensure border control using its own forces.
The withdrawal process proceeded smoothly and without incident. An official ceremony was held at the airport, during which representatives from both countries signed the relevant protocol. Currently, only Armenian border troops are performing duties at all airport checkpoints.
This move is viewed as a significant change in Armenia-Russia relations. Although Russian border guards continue to serve on Armenia's state borders with Turkey and Iran, the departure from Zvartnots is a notable event in the process of strengthening the country's sovereignty.
Armenian authorities expressed gratitude to the Russian side for their long-term cooperation and service. From now on, the airport's security and border control will be entirely under Armenia's responsibility, marking the beginning of a new phase in the airport's operations.