Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that the project to unblock transport communications in the South Caucasus, known as the "Trump route," faces a number of political and geopolitical factors.
Modern.az reports that in his statement to the media, he said that Russia's participation in the process could contribute to a more sustainable and realistic implementation of the project.
The diplomat noted that issues of restoring transport and economic ties between Armenia and Azerbaijan were discussed at meetings of the Russia-Armenia-Azerbaijan trilateral working group at the vice-presidential level in 2022–2023, and agreements on the restoration of railway connections were reached during that period.
Galuzin stated that "this dialogue and the discussions within the trilateral working group were suspended through no fault of ours."
According to him, it is currently difficult to continue work in the previous format:
"Because Armenia is allegedly planning to give 49 percent of the shares of the future railway to the US side. The US presence near Tehran's borders after US and Israeli strikes against Iran may not be welcomed by Tehran. At the same time, China may also be dissatisfied with US control over the transit route between Eurasia and Europe. Russia's participation can facilitate the implementation of the project. The construction of the railway with the Russian standard gauge can be important for uninterrupted connection with Azerbaijan. In addition, it should be recalled that Armenian railways are managed by CJSC "South Caucasus Railway," a subsidiary of Russian Railways."
Galuzin added that transit and border issues should be regulated in accordance with the norms of the Eurasian Economic Union:
"Since the route passes through the Armenia-Turkey and Armenia-Iran border lines, Russian border guards also serve there, and no signal has been received from official Yerevan regarding changes to these mechanisms.
The Russian Foreign Ministry official also stated that there has been no official request from Yerevan regarding the withdrawal or modification of the 102nd Russian military base's activities in Gyumri. The base operates within the framework of an agreement valid until 2044, and Moscow considers it one of the key elements of regional security. The position of some political forces and pro-Western NGOs trying to present Russia's military presence as a "means of occupation" is not supported by the local population. The issue of Armenia's possible membership in the European Union and at the same time the presence of the Russian military base is Yerevan's own decision, while Moscow will continue to fulfill its obligations in accordance with existing agreements."
