Russia has received no official indication from Armenia that it intends to reconsider the agreement governing the presence of the Russian military base in Gyumri, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, who described the facility as a key element of regional security architecture.

Speaking to Russian broadcaster RTVI, Galuzin said the Russian military base in the Armenian city of Gyumri continues to serve as "an important pillar" of security not only for Armenia but also for the broader South Caucasus region.

What did Russia say?

Galuzin stressed that, according to official statements from Yerevan, the Armenian authorities are not considering the withdrawal of the Russian military base from their territory.

"At the official level, the Armenian side has stated that Yerevan is not considering the withdrawal of the Russian military base in Gyumri," he said.

His comments come amid ongoing discussions about Armenia's foreign policy orientation and its security partnerships.

Why is the Gyumri base significant?

The Russian military base in Gyumri has long been one of Moscow's key military installations in the South Caucasus and has played a central role in Russian-Armenian defense cooperation.

Galuzin argued that the base remains an important security asset for both Armenia and the wider region, rejecting claims that Russia's military presence serves hostile purposes.

What criticism did Galuzin address?

According to the Russian deputy foreign minister, certain political groups and pro-Western Armenian non-governmental organizations have sought to portray Russia's military presence in Armenia as a form of occupation and as evidence of Moscow's hostility toward the country.

Galuzin dismissed such characterizations, saying the Russian military presence should not be viewed solely through a military lens.

How does Russia describe the base's role locally?

Galuzin said the Russian base in Gyumri serves not only as a military facility but also as "a point of attraction" for local residents.

As evidence of this, he pointed to the high attendance at public open days held at the base, noting that the most recent such event took place on June 12 and attracted a large number of visitors.