Armenia Cannot Govern Without Russia, MFA Comments on 'Trump's Path' Initiative

The Russian side is ready to consult with Yerevan regarding the parameters of the 'Trump's Path' initiative and the possible participation of Russia, said Mikhail Kalugin, director of the Fourth Department for the Commonwealth of Independent States at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an interview with RIA Novosti.

"The details of the Armenia-American project still need to be studied. We are ready to consult with our Armenian partners to discuss both the parameters of the initiative and Russia's possible participation," he stated.

Kalugin added that there are "sufficient grounds for that." He explained, "In essence, we are considering the agreed route within the framework of a tripartite working group."

He noted that their company, 'South Caucasus Railways', which is a subsidiary of 'Russian Railways', has a concession for managing the Armenian railway network. The region uses Russian railway lines, Kalugin pointed out.

He mentioned that the 'path' will largely run through the area of responsibility of their border guards.

"It is also necessary to take into account Armenia's membership in the EAEU. It is clear that our partners cannot govern without Russia," he concluded.