The Armenian authorities have decided to withdraw Russian border guards from the Akhurik border checkpoint located on the border with Turkey. Armenian media reported this, citing diplomatic sources. It is noted that, in parallel, construction work has begun on the Turkish side in the area of the Margara border checkpoint, which strengthens the likelihood of this border opening in the near future.
It is noteworthy what this step by Armenia means for Azerbaijan and Turkey, and what its impacts will be on subsequent processes.
In a statement to Modern.az, Şamil Ayrım, Chairman of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Friendship Group of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (GNAT), stated that this is a natural process:
"For many years, Armenia's border security was ensured by the Russian army, and at the same time, the country's energy supply was met by Russia. However, in recent times, relations with Moscow have significantly cooled due to Armenia turning towards the West against the backdrop of the Ukraine war.
After the initialing of the Peace Agreement in Washington on August 8, 2025, a positive atmosphere emerged between Armenia and Azerbaijan. If you notice, Azerbaijan has started supplying fuel to Armenia. The Armenian side is also making certain gestures in response. For example, previously, the image of Mount Ararat was used on Armenian passports, and these symbols were also present on some official seals. Now these have been abolished. Such gestures of mutual trust are observed.
God willing, the August 8 Agreement will come into force, and the Zangezur Corridor will open. Border security will most likely be ensured by Armenia's own army, or through a possible peacekeeping force in the future. However, it should be noted that none of these have been fully clarified yet, nor are they openly discussed.
Here, the main issue must be understood correctly: Armenia is now openly stating that "I am an independent state, and no one can interfere in my internal affairs." It also states that it will solve its economic problems through dialogue with Azerbaijan. This is precisely the interpretation of this position. Therefore, the withdrawal of Russian soldiers from there is completely normal. They will withdraw, and security will be ensured by Armenia itself. This is also a natural process. The main goal is to ensure lasting peace in the region. In this direction, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey are doing their part. Whether the corridor is called “Zangezur” or TRIIP is not that important. What is essential is the opening of that corridor. Because when it opens, a trade route extending from Iğdır to Central Asia will be formed. This will create new opportunities for our people, our youth will find jobs, and their worldviews will broaden. Therefore, we all want the corridor to open as soon as possible. Not only us, but also the citizens want this".
Sh. Ayrım noted that there is no point in third countries protecting Armenia's security:
"Neither Azerbaijan, nor Turkey, nor Armenia has designs on each other's territory. Azerbaijan reclaimed its lands by sacrificing three thousand martyrs. President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stated, “I have no designs on anyone's land.” Armenia, in general, does not have the power to put forward territorial claims. However, there is an important point here. President Ilham Aliyev has openly stated that Armenia must change its Constitution for a full peace agreement to be signed. Because that Constitution contains claims that Karabakh is Armenian territory, as well as claims related to seven provinces in eastern Turkey. This is the delusion of “Greater Armenia,” and we are strongly against it".
The deputy once again emphasized that Armenia must change its Constitution.
"The agreement initialed in the USA on August 8 was signed by the foreign ministers, but for it to fully come into force, changes must be made to the Armenian Constitution. That is, Armenia needs to officially confirm that it has no territorial claims against any country. Once this happens, Armenia will protect its own borders, and Azerbaijan will ensure its security with its own army and defense system. In that case, what need is there for a third state to come and guard the borders of Armenia or Azerbaijan? This is not an acceptable situation. On the contrary, this will strengthen the environment of mutual trust. As we constantly emphasize, development in the region is not possible without lasting peace and stability. Those times are now behind us. Armenia and Azerbaijan are in the process of signing a peace agreement. We always say: May God not remove Pashinyan from the leadership of Armenia. Because dialogue with Turkey and Azerbaijan is possible during his tenure. Although certain circles internally – especially radical and religious groups – exert pressure against him, Turkey and Azerbaijan support Pashinyan to the end".
The Turkish deputy emphasized that Turkey can immediately open its borders with Armenia if a decision is made:
"Turkey has completed its preparations for all border checkpoints – be it Alican, Aktaş, or other crossings. If a decision is made tomorrow that “borders are opening,” Turkey is fully ready for it. Azerbaijan has also built all roads on its side up to the Armenian border. Only the 40-kilometer section passing through Zangezur remains. But as Turkey, we do not want to take any step that Azerbaijan does not agree with. The moment Azerbaijan says, “yes, borders can be opened,” we will also open our borders. This is precisely the point we have reached," the deputy said.
