Russia’s withdrawal from the Agarak border checkpoint on the Armenia-Iran border after 30 years of patrolling has marked a significant shift in relations between the two countries. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that only Armenian forces were now patrolling the checkpoint, following an agreement between Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in October. This agreement stipulated that Russian border guards would leave the border checkpoint, and Armenian troops would take over the protection of Armenia’s borders with Iran and Turkey from January 1, 2025, onward. The removal of Russian border guards from Armenia’s checkpoints allows for more of Moscow’s men to be deployed to the ongoing war with Ukraine.
The Armenian government had initially pushed for the departure of Russian guards from border checkpoints amid increasing tension with Moscow in March. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized this decision, citing concerns about damaging relations between the two countries and jeopardizing Armenia’s security and economic development. However, Pashinyan and Putin reached an agreement following their meeting in May, leading to the exit of Russian guards from the Agarak border checkpoint on the Armenia-Iran border. This move followed the departure of Russian guards from Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport at the end of July, with Russian officials expressing hope that Armenia’s security would continue to be maintained by Armenian partners.
The relationship between Armenia and Iran dates back to 1992 when diplomatic relations were established between the two countries, who share a 44-kilometer border. Russian border guard troops had been stationed at the checkpoint between Armenia and Iran since Yerevan declared its independence in 1990, reflecting the historically close ties between Russia and Armenia. However, tensions have risen between the two countries, particularly due to Russia’s lack of intervention in a border dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan, leading to Armenia freezing its membership in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan praised the transition of border control at the Agarak border crossing to Armenian officers and thanked the Russian Federation Border Guard troops for their service. With Armenian forces now responsible for the security of border checkpoints, it remains to be seen how well Armenia can protect its borders without Moscow’s assistance. The withdrawal of Russian forces from the Armenia-Iran border checkpoint marks a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape and could have far-reaching implications for the security and stability of both countries. Only time will tell how this change will impact the future relationship between Russia and Armenia.
