Russia Always Perceives the Sorrow of the Armenian People as Its Own: Zakharova

April 24 marks yet another anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire. Russia has always perceived the Armenian Genocide as its own pain and misfortune. This was stated by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a weekly press briefing.

“According to historical evidence, in 1915, the Caucasian army of the Russian Imperial Army, under the orders of Nicholas II, opened the Russian-Turkish border and saved at least 350,000 Armenians,” the diplomat noted.

She added that Moscow was one of the first to officially recognize the genocide. She also recalled that during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Armenia in 2015, he participated in a ceremony commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire and expressed sincere condolences to the Armenian people.

Zakharova also mentioned that memorial events are held in many cities across Russia on April 24.