Russia urges Armenia to clarify changes in position on key South Caucasus transportation agreements

The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed concerns over the shifting positions of Armenia regarding the unblocking of transportation communications in the South Caucasus, as agreed upon by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.

Speaking at a briefing on March 27, 2025, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova emphasized that while Armenia has the sovereign right to change its stance on the issue, it would be appropriate for Armenia to officially announce any changes at the proper level, Caliber.Az reports via domestic media.

Zakharova stated, “If Yerevan’s official position on the issue of unblocking transportation communications has changed, it remains the country’s sovereign right. However, it would be correct if Armenia officially stated this at the appropriate level.”

She continued, stressing Russia's commitment to the agreements, "We are convinced that the early restoration of full cooperation in the mentioned format will not only contribute to the modernization of the transport and logistics system of the South Caucasus and its integration into the large-scale freight traffic between Europe and Asia, but will also become an important factor in the socio-economic development of both Armenia and the entire region."

However, Zakharova also pointed to what she perceives as external interference, saying, “We see the destructive influence of Western countries, which hinders the full realization of the agreements of the three countries' leaders.”

She then elaborated on the role of the trilateral working group that was created to address the issue: “To solve this really very important task, as you know, in accordance with the trilateral agreements at the highest level, which were reached between 2020 and 2022, a specialized trilateral working group on unblocking transportation and economic ties in the South Caucasus was created. Within its framework, a great deal of work has been done to harmonize both the legal basis and technical parameters of transport routes between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the principles of reciprocity and sovereignty.”

Zakharova concluded by highlighting her concerns regarding Armenia’s position, stating, “Yes, we see the destructive influence of Western countries, and we also see that the positions of the Armenian authorities sometimes, and sometimes often, raise questions for us.”

By Tamilla Hasanova