Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia is not making a geopolitical “turn to the West” after adopting legislation to begin a process toward European Union accession, stressing that Yerevan has “not had, does not have and will not have” any intention of harming Russia’s interests, while also addressing Armenia’s contingency planning for possible regional fallout tied to escalation involving Iran and the broader Middle East.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Pashinyan said Armenia is not pursuing a geopolitical shift.
“I don’t recall ever saying that we are moving toward the West. Usually, I say we are not moving in any particular direction,” Pashinyan told reporters.
He added that Armenia has not reached a point where Russia’s military presence in the country constrains its strategic outlook.
“Yes, Armenia has adopted a law on the start of the EU accession process. But we are not yet at the point where the Russian military base would obscure our vision. If we ever see that it does, we will consider how to proceed to ensure that such an issue does not arise,” he noted.
Russia’s 102nd military base was deployed in Armenia’s second-largest city, Gyumri, in 1995. The original agreement set a 25-year term, but in August 2010 it was extended until 2044. Around 5,000 troops are stationed there.
Pashinyan emphasized that Yerevan has never sought to undermine Moscow’s interests.
“We have not had, do not have and will not have any intention of harming the interests of the Russian Federation,” he said. “Our task has been and remains to act exclusively in accordance with Armenia’s national interests.”
Railway Management Proposal
The prime minister also addressed discussions surrounding regional transport routes and the management of Armenia’s railway system, currently operated by Russia under a concession agreement.
Pashinyan said some actors within the framework of the TRIPP initiative argue that the railway route entering Nakhichevan after passing through Meghri should bypass Armenia altogether, citing concerns that the Armenian railway is managed by Russia at a time when Moscow’s relations with many countries are strained.
“The railway is the property of Armenia, and Russia does not want and will not create obstacles to our regional projects,” Pashinyan said.
He said he had discussed the issue with Vladimir Putin and that the Russian president supports the regional transport initiatives.
According to Pashinyan, however, the perception that Armenia’s railway is under Russian management risks causing the country to lose strategic positions and competitive advantages.
“The solution I envision is that a country with friendly relations with both the Russian Federation and Armenia simply purchase the concession management rights from Russia,” he said.
Pashinyan suggested countries such as Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, or Qatar as potential candidates that maintain warm relations with both sides.
Prepared For Iran Escalation
Responding to criticism over his reaction to the regional situation over the weekend, when he was filmed touring Armenian towns with members of his party, Pashinyan said the government had long anticipated potential escalation involving Iran.
He said the government established a working group under the coordination of the Security Council roughly 1 to 1.5 years ago after assessing developments in the Middle East.
“Of course, we deeply regret what is happening in Iran and in the region in general, and it is very painful for us. However, we must note that, unfortunately, this situation is not new,” Pashinyan said.
“That working group was formed about 1 to 1.5 years ago. Since then, it has worked at times on a daily basis, sometimes hourly, and sometimes monthly.”
Pashinyan said all necessary measures had already been taken and that state institutions have been preparing for various scenarios since the June 2025 military operations against Iran, when renewed hostilities were not ruled out.
“I say this so that the impression is not created that the Government of Armenia is careless,” he said. “No, when others were careless, the Government of Armenia was organizing its actions and making decisions.”
Economic Ties With Azerbaijan
Pashinyan also highlighted what he described as growing commercial interaction between Armenia and Azerbaijan, saying economic cooperation could advance even as political negotiations continue.
“It seems that the economic agenda is surpassing the political agenda, which is good, because political agendas exist to serve the economic agenda,” he said.
According to the prime minister, the developments following the August 8 initialing of a peace agreement have created space for economic engagement.
“The events of August 8 have opened a sufficient field for economic cooperation, and I am glad that trade is being established between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Pashinyan said.
“I hope that, as soon as possible, we will not only import goods from Azerbaijan, but also export goods from Armenia to Azerbaijan.”
Asked about possible timelines for formally signing the peace treaty, Pashinyan said he could not provide a specific date but noted that negotiations continue.
Armenia, he said, remains ready to sign the initialed peace treaty as soon as possible.
