In a historic first since the early 1990s, Russian wheat is being transported to Armenia by rail through Azerbaijani territory. Armenia’s Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan announced the development on Facebook, writing: “I have more good news about unblocking. At this moment, Russian wheat is being transported by rail from Russia to Armenia via Azerbaijan.”
He added that Kazakh wheat is also being shipped to Armenia through the same route and is expected to arrive in the coming days.
Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan confirmed to Armenpress that the train carrying wheat from Russia to Armenia is currently transiting through Azerbaijani territory en route to Georgia and will arrive in Armenia soon. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of his Azerbaijani and Russian counterparts in facilitating this outcome, noting that the development is an important step toward building mutual trust and advancing the peace process.
According to Azerbaijani media outlet Minval, a train consisting of 15 wagons carrying 1,048.8 tons of wheat departed from Russia on November 4, traveling through Azerbaijan and Georgia before reaching Armenia. The cargo is bound for the Dalarik station in Armenia. Another shipment carrying Kazakh wheat has reportedly been dispatched via the same corridor.
South Caucasus Railway CEO Alexei Melnikov also commented on the shipment during a press conference organized by Sputnik Armenia. He described it as “a very important event, essentially a new chapter in the history of the railway,” noting that the 15 wagons loaded with Russian wheat were expected to reach Georgia within hours and then continue to Armenia. Melnikov added that Kazakh grain would also arrive in Armenia soon and expressed confidence that the new transit route “will undoubtedly be in demand” for future shipments.
The renewed railway activity follows Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s recent announcement that Baku has lifted all restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory. This decision also applies to shipments from Russia to Armenia by rail. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk welcomed the move, stating that Russian Railways is exploring ways to make full use of this new logistical opportunity.
Armenian National Assembly Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan highlighted the historic nature of the event, writing: “Now, in addition to Kazakh wheat, Russian wheat is also being transported by rail through Azerbaijani territory to Armenia. This means that, for the first time since the early 1990s, imports are arriving in Armenia from not only Kazakhstan but also Russia via Azerbaijan. This is what peace looks like. This is progress.”
Rubinyan further noted that the last time such a railway connection was active was likely in 1991 or 1992, before the outbreak of the war.
