168 Hours: The Plan to Withdraw Russian 102nd Military Base from Armenia is Possible

168 Hours reports. “The doubling of the base's capabilities means that Russia believes that the authorities in Armenia will be national responsible and partner-oriented,” said Modest Kolerov, a first-class state advisor and political analyst from Russia, in an interview with 168.am, commenting on the fact that the military capabilities of the 102nd Russian military base located in Armenia have doubled.

Recall that the 102nd military base of the Russian armed forces, stationed in Gyumri, has increased its combat readiness. This was reported by the commander of the base, Nikolai Martinyuk, to his superior, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, during Shoigu's visit to the base.

The base is armed with “Smerch” missile systems, tanks, other armored vehicles, and air defense weaponry. It also includes a Russian aviation group stationed at the Yerevan “Erebuni” airport, equipped with fighter jets and attack helicopters.

According to Modest Kolerov, irrespective of the fact that the combat capabilities of the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri have doubled, there is a possibility in the future plans of the current authorities of Armenia to withdraw the Russian military base from the country. In his view, the increase in the base's capabilities signifies that Russia believes the authorities in Armenia will be national responsible and partner-oriented. “The reign of temporary powers will end sooner or later. Having excellent relations with Azerbaijan and currently temporarily having great relations with Turkey, Russia is thinking about tomorrow's threats, and that means that even the current authority is not driving Russia away from Armenia and is forcing it to think about the future. But I will reiterate, I expect a course for the withdrawal of the base from Pashinyan's government,” said Kolerov.

Details are available in today's edition of the newspaper.