Statement from Nikol Pashinyan about the Russian Military Base in Gyumri

At the press conference he held, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made evaluations about the 102nd Russian Military Base in Gyumri, Armenia.

Stating that Russia opened the issue regarding the base for discussion, not them, Pashinyan said, "The military base is not of vital importance for the security of Armenia."

Pashinyan pointed out that the existence of the Russian military base does not add anything extra to Armenia's security and said, "Russia is our friendly country. We do not need the Russian military base. If they want to take it out, let them take it out tomorrow, but if they want to stay, we are ready to talk about the conditions of staying in a base that is unnecessary for Armenia." he said.

The 102nd Russian Military Base, located in Gyumri, Armenia, is known as one of Russia's main military assets in the South Caucasus.

The base operates within the scope of the agreement signed in 1995. In addition to ground forces units, there are also air defense elements and warplanes at the base.

Regarding the base, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "If Armenia decides that it does not need this infrastructure, we will leave even tomorrow."