TRIPP initiative monitored by Moscow, no practical steps yet, says ambassador

Russia is closely monitoring the Armenian-American initiative known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), but no practical work on the project has commenced, Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin stated in an interview with local newspaper.

“In Russia, we are following developments surrounding the Armenian-American project announced in Washington—the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. So far, we have only heard the impressive name. To our knowledge, practical implementation has not yet begun,” Kopyrkin said when asked to outline Russia’s position on the initiative, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The ambassador stressed that Moscow’s stance will be clarified once the project takes concrete shape. He also noted that the Trump Route could potentially impact Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, since cargo transit through the country is partially governed by EAEU regulations. “We are ready for substantive consultations with our Armenian partners on this matter,” Kopyrkin added.

The diplomat further underscored that Russia has consistently supported the reopening of transport links in the South Caucasus, noting that progress in this area has been based on trilateral agreements among the leaders of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan between 2020 and 2022. “We proceed from the principle that these processes should take into account the interests of all countries in the region and their neighbors,” he concluded.

On August 8, following a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a joint declaration aimed at fostering a peaceful resolution between Baku and Yerevan. The agreement also outlines the creation of a transport corridor linking mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan. The initiative has been designated the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.

By Vafa Guliyeva