Russia deeply values its friendship with Armenia, rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties, as well as a profound spiritual connection. Russian Ambassador to Armenia, Sergey Kopyrkin, highlighted this enduring bond during an event marking the 197th anniversary of the Battle of Oshakan. He stressed that no attempts to rewrite history can erase these shared ties.

Kopyrkin expressed disappointment that the section on the Battle of Oshakan was removed from the new 8th-grade History of Armenia textbook but assured that the memory of the heroes will remain alive. “Today’s event is a clear testament that they will always be in our hearts,” he said.

The ambassador also emphasized the battle’s significance, where a Russian-Armenian detachment triumphed over a numerically superior Persian army, demonstrating the power of unity and shared purpose. “Centuries may pass, but the everlasting glory of the valiant defenders of Armenian land will remain a vivid example of courage and heroism in the memory of our people,” Kopyrkin concluded.

In response to a question about the wording in Armenia's new history textbook - specifically the use of the term “annexation” to describe the early 19th-century events when the territory of modern-day Armenia became part of the Russian Empire following the 1826-1828 Russo-Persian war - Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin referred to a statement previously made by the Russian Foreign Ministry. This statement outlined Russia's position on the issue.

Sharing his perspective, Kopyrkin remarked that reassessing historical events is a normal process, particularly in light of current developments and the challenges that countries and peoples face today.

Yet, the Russian envoy outlined: “Several factors are important in this matter: honesty, aspiration, and willingness to avoid opportunistic considerations, which may seem expedient today, but the situation may change tomorrow; it is very important to maintain the core. And another important thing: morality, respect for the memory of the ancestors, their exploits. This is more important in the case of the history of our countries. That history has been complicated, requiring great sacrifices and dedication.”

Just hours after Moscow issued a strong statement concerning a passage in the new edition of an Armenian history textbook, authorities in Yerevan announced that the text had already been edited.