The Russian Foreign Ministry: The "Trump Route" project raises more questions than answers

ArmInfo. So far, the "Trump Route" project There are more questions than answers in Syunik – none of its target indicators have been made public, Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the Fourth Department of the CIS Countries at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated in an interview with RIA Novosti, noting that the project largely replicates what was developed in previous years with Russia's assistance.

In essence, the diplomat emphasized, none of its target indicators have been made public – neither regarding the parameters and timeframes for the construction and use of the corresponding infrastructure, nor regarding the projected cargo flow.

The agency recalls that on August 8, 2025, following a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev with US President Donald Trump, the Armenian side agreed to cooperate with Washington and third parties to create the "Trump Route."

This route envisions unblocking transport links between the mainland of Azerbaijan and its exclave Nakhchivan Autonomous Region through Armenian territory. As Pashinyan announced on August 9, 2025, the route includes potential oil and gas pipelines, power lines, internet cables, and a railway between Yerevan and Baku along the railway line bordering Iran.

Washington and Yerevan will create a joint venture to develop transport routes in Armenia, called TRIPP Development Company. The United States will hold a 74% stake in the company, while Armenia will hold a 26% stake, for a term of 49 years. The agreement is expected to be subsequently extended for another 50 years and additional shares will be issued, increasing Yerevan's stake to 49%.