Russia Protests Vandalism of WWII Memorial in Gyumri

Russia's Foreign Ministry has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Armenia following vandalism of a World War II memorial in Gyumri. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova described the incident as a deliberate attack on shared historical memory rather than simple hooliganism. Russian servicemen stationed at the 102nd military base in Gyumri participated in restoration efforts, and the Russian Embassy in Yerevan publicly condemned the vandalism. Armenian law enforcement detained a suspect in connection with the incident. Zakharova welcomed the arrest but expressed concern over the Armenian government's official response, noting that authorities had not issued a firm public condemnation of the desecration.