Armenia holds off on replacing Russian border guards at checkpoints

The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has not yet made a decision regarding the replacement of Russian border guards with Armenian personnel at border checkpoints.

Armen Abazyan, the Director of the NSS, made this statement during an interview, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media outlets.

He reminded the public that, since mid-2024, control of the Zvartnots airport has been transferred to Armenian border guards, and a similar practice has been implemented at the Agarak checkpoint on the Iranian border.

Additionally, since March 1, 2025, the Margara checkpoint on the Turkish border has also been placed under Armenian control.

"At the moment, there are no other decisions," Abazyan said, responding to questions about the potential continuation of this process.

Note that, at the beginning of the year, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Armenia may consider withdrawing Russian border guards along its border with Türkiye if mutual trust is established between the two nations.

Mirzoyan explained, "If an active, open border between Armenia and Türkiye is established, grounded in mutual trust, then we can reflect on and engage in discussions regarding this matter."

He added that Russian border guards were initially stationed at Zvartnots Airport and along the Armenian-Iranian border to assist Armenia in developing the necessary institutions for border management. Over time, Armenia took over these responsibilities, demonstrating strong relations with Iran.

“There is currently no discussion regarding the withdrawal of troops from the 102nd Russian military base in Armenia,” Mirzoyan confirmed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev