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.
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