Moscow Reviewing All Requests Received from Yerevan: Zakharova on Railway Restoration

MOSCOW — Moscow remains in constant contact with its Armenian counterparts and is practically reviewing all requests received from Yerevan, including those related to economic matters. This was stated during a briefing by Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, commenting on Armenia’s expectations regarding the restoration of railway infrastructure.

On January 19, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Armenia expects the prompt restoration of several railway sections currently under Russian control. These include the Akhuryk segment from the Armenia–Turkey border to the operational railway line, the section from the Armenia–Nakhijevan border to Yeraskh, and the Tavush segment up to and including the Ijevan railway station.

Zakharova confirmed the Russian side’s readiness to study initiatives aimed at unblocking regional transport communications, including possible participation in the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity project, taking into account the unique experience of Russian Railways (RZD).

She emphasized that before any final decisions are made, it is necessary to thoroughly examine all details related to the implementation and operation of the initiative, as the project is still at an early, preliminary stage.

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson added that Moscow’s proposal remains in force to hold substantive consultations with Yerevan involving all relevant agencies.

Zakharova declined to comment on a journalist’s question regarding the possible withdrawal of railway sections from the existing agreement, which referred to another statement by Prime Minister Pashinyan.

On December 25, Pashinyan said that Armenia is ready to restore key sections of its railway infrastructure using its own resources if the Russian side does not carry out the work within appropriate timeframes.

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Under an agreement signed in 2008 with Russian state-owned company Russian Railways, the Armenian government transferred its railway network to RZD under a 30-year concessionary management arrangement, with an option to extend the term by an additional 10 years.

Under the agreement, the Russian side committed to investing in infrastructure modernization, renewal of rolling stock, and improvements in railway safety.