As earlier reported,  Pashinyan, in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, expressed his concerns about Russia's role in ensuring Armenia's security, particularly in the face of perceived aggression from Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Additionally, he suggested that Armenia felt Russia was reducing its presence and influence in the broader South Caucasus region, which encompasses Armenia and its neighboring countries.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s commitment to its role in the South Caucasus, specifically in Armenia.

In response, Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia considers itself an essential and inseparable part of the South Caucasus region, including Armenia. He stated that Russia has no intention of leaving Armenia and will persist in its role as a guarantor of regional security.

“There are more Armenians living in Russia than in Armenia itself, and most of them are exemplary, patriotic citizens of the Russian Federation who make a significant contribution to the development of our country,” he told reporters.

Peskov highlighted the significant economic ties between Armenia and Russia, noting that these ties played a pivotal role in achieving double-digit economic growth in the South Caucasus region last year.

He also stated that Russia, with its military base in Armenia and deployment of peacekeepers to uphold a ceasefire agreement, intends to persist in its crucial role in stabilizing the South Caucasus and has no plans to reduce its involvement in the region.

Peskov emphasized the importance of all parties adhering to the terms of the 2020 ceasefire agreement that brought an end to the Nagorno-Karabakh war, even in the face of strains and changing circumstances since then.

“Russia continues to play the role of guarantor of security. Russia is not going anywhere and is not planning to leave," he said.