Armenia's Visa Move for Russians Would Backfire on Yerevan, Says Moscow

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Armenia's introduction of visas for Russian citizens would harm Yerevan itself, as many Russians have relatives living in Armenia. Zakharova accused Armenian authorities of continuing to undermine bilateral cooperation with Moscow, responding to Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan's remarks about welcoming Russians seeking to avoid military deployment. She called such statements provocative and said they give Armenian hospitality a toxic political tint. Russian Security Council Deputy Chair Dmitry Medvedev previously stated there are no mobilization plans in Russia, citing sufficient contract soldiers. President Vladimir Putin expressed hope for pro-Russian political forces in Armenian elections, noting Russia's heightened interest in Armenia's direction due to shared historical roots.