Pashinyan: There are certain "circles" in Russia that are not  interested in peace between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey

ArmInfo.There are certain circles in Russia that believe that peace between Armenia and  Turkey, as well as Azerbaijan, is not in their best interest, as it would result in Armenia gaining more independence, as stated by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan  to reporters on February 13.

"I often hear the opposition accuse us of being pro-Turkish or  pro-Azerbaijani. However, the real issue is who can become an  effective leader in our region: someone who strives for peace with  their neighbors, or someone who opts for constant confrontation," the  Prime Minister asked.

According to Pashinyan, the country's sovereignty directly depends on  this same principle. "I am pleased to say that my viewpoint that  Russia is provoking conflict between Armenia and other countries to  maintain our dependence from Russia is not shared by everyone. At  least, my colleague, Russian President Vladimir Putin, does not  support this view, nor does Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin  and other high- ranking officials. They believe that peace is  beneficial for both Russia and Armenia, as well as for the entire  region," Pashinyan added.

The Prime Minister also addressed allegations that there are forces  within the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)  that propose bypassing Armenia after Meghri, as the railway in that  area is under Russian control. "We are making every effort to clarify  that while it is under Russian control, it belongs to Armenia. We are  confident that Russia will not create obstacles to regional projects.  I have discussed this with the Russian President and I know that he  supports these initiatives. The problem is that many countries from  the West to the East, South, and North believe that the railway  should not pass through Armenia after Nakhichevan because of Russia's  control over it," Pashinyan stated.

The Armenian Prime Minister assured that they have no plans to go  against Russia, but due to Russia's control of the railway, they are  experiencing difficulties. In this regard, Pashinyan stated that the  management of the South Caucasus Railway (SCR) could be handed over  to a country friendly to both Armenia and  Russia. He mentioned  Kazakhstan, the UAE, or Qatar as possible candidates for this role.

Earlier, on February 10, 2026, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister  Mikhail Galuzin stated that the country had already "reserved" its  position on participating in TRIPP (the "Trump Route for  International Peace and Prosperity"). Specifically, he noted that  Russia's position in the region's infrastructure remains fundamental:   the South Caucasus Railway, a subsidiary of Russian Railways, holds a  concession to manage Armenia's entire railway network until 2038, and  the tracks themselves comply with the Russian gauge standard.   According to him, the region uses Russian railway gauge. Russian  border guards are stationed on the Iranian-Armenian border, so  Armenia's membership in the EAEU must also be taken into account.  Under these circumstances, it is clear that the partners cannot  manage without Russia. Pashinyan also welcomed Russian Deputy Prime  Minister Overchuk's announcement of the start of substantive  negotiations on the restoration of two sections of Armenian railways,  which will connect them with the railways of Azerbaijan and Turkey.  According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the total length of the  sections to be restored is approximately 1.6 km and 12.4 km. The  negotiations are expected to determine the technical, financial, and  other modalities for implementing this project.  However, Pashinyan  stated that there is no need for any negotiations, as they are not  involving any major investment program worth tens of millions of  dollars. In one case, the Prime Minister stated that the project is a  3-km section in Yeraskh, and in the other, a 1-km section. "That is,  this isn't a topic we're still negotiating. There's nothing to  discuss or negotiate here. While we're debating this, Armenia will  once again be left out of communications. Therefore, we need to build  it first, and then, if necessary, negotiate," the Armenian Prime  Minister concluded, not without irony.