Russian Border Guards No Longer Monitor Traffic in Nerkhin Hand, Have Gathered Wires

The head of the village of Nerkhin Hand, Khachatur Baghdasaryan, reported that yesterday they noticed Russian border guards collecting field wires. According to the village head, this likely indicates their intention to leave.

Today at noon, a camera from “Azatutyun” captured several Russian soldiers at the Russian checkpoint at the beginning of Nerkhin Hand, who are no longer monitoring traffic from the nearby observation post. There were also gathered wires near the entrance of the checkpoint.

The Russian border guards had been stationed in these areas following the 44-day war at the initiative of the Armenian government. Recently, President Putin's spokesperson confirmed that the withdrawal of Russian military personnel and border guards from a number of regions in Armenia was coordinated during the meeting of the leaders of Armenia and Russia in Moscow on May 8.

According to the Russian side, “at the request of Yerevan, Russian border guards will continue to remain at the Armenian-Turkish and Armenian-Iranian borders.” The Secretary of the ruling “Civil Contract” faction in Armenia clarified that Russian border guards will exit from the regions of Gegharkunik, Syunik, Tavush, Ararat, and Vayots Dzor, as well as from the “Zvartnots” airport.