Putin Says Russia Will Close Gyumri Base if Armenia Requests

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would close its military base in Gyumri, Armenia, if the Armenian government formally requested it. Putin made the remarks during a press conference in Bishkek following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, where he met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The Gyumri base, located in northwestern Armenia near the Turkish border, has been a cornerstone of Russian military presence in the South Caucasus region for decades. Putin's comments come amid ongoing discussions about Armenia's security arrangements and its regional relationships. The statement appears aimed at emphasizing Russia's respect for Armenian sovereignty while underscoring the strategic importance of the military relationship between the two countries.