According to information obtained by the newspaper “Izvestia,” Armenia does not have the ability to unilaterally withdraw from the Russian military base until 2044. The duration of the agreement on Base No. 102 in Gyumri is determined by Protocol No. 5, and the procedure for revising these provisions is part of the agreement itself, with all decisions being made by mutual consent. This information has also been confirmed by the State Duma.
Previously, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Yerevan does not see any advantages in having a Russian military base on its territory. However, when asked about the possibility of withdrawing the base, Pashinyan responded that such a question is not currently being discussed. The head of the Armenian government noted that Yerevan is currently focusing on other issues and trying to understand the reasons for the current situation. Pashinyan’s interview confirmed the tension in Russian-Armenian relations, as indicated by the publication.
The 102nd Russian military base in Armenia has two garrisons – in Gyumri and Yerevan. It is part of the Joint Group of Forces of Russia and Armenia, formed in 2017. The base includes various military units and equipment, such as the S-300 air defense system, MiG-29 fighters, and Mi-24P and Mi-8MT helicopters.
The status and position of the 102nd base are determined by the agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia, which was signed in 1995.
Earlier, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a note of protest to the Russian ambassador after the broadcast about Pashinyan on Channel One.
