Armenia requests Russia's guarding presence along Türkiye and Iran borders

According to Interfax, Alexander Bortnikov, a candidate for the position of director of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), stated that Armenia has requested Russia to maintain the presence of Russian border guards along its borders with Türkiye and Iran.

Bortnikov mentioned, "Our border guards remain stationed in Armenia, and there have been no discussions to alter this arrangement. Armenia has requested our continued assistance in safeguarding its borders with Türkiye and Iran."

Additionally, he noted that Russia intends to accommodate Armenia's request to close the Zvartnots International Airport border checkpoint in the near future.

"The Armenian side requested to withdraw the temporary task forces from the borderline and close the problem of presence in those sections, which were not legally defined in any way. Such a decision has been made," Bortnikov said at a meeting in the Federation Council, where his candidacy for the post of the FSB head is being discussed.

Bortnikov specified that the decision was made after Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on May 8.