The possible withdrawal of the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri could upset the balance of power in the region and pose a threat to Armenia's security. This opinion was expressed by Andrey Kolesnik, a member of the Russian State Duma Defense Committee.
According to him, Armenia's security remains "fragile," including due to unresolved issues with Turkey. Kolesnik called on the Armenian leadership to consider the strategic risks of such steps and avoid political maneuvering in defense matters.
The Russian MP also recalled that the Russian military presence in Armenia is regulated by a long-term bilateral agreement.
Kolesnik's statement was preceded by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's words that Yerevan would not object to the closure of the military base if Moscow made such a decision. Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier stated that Russia was ready to withdraw its troops from Gyumri if the Armenian authorities considered its presence inappropriate.
