Russia calls Armenia's offer to accept Russians during mobilization a provocation

Russia's Foreign Ministry has labeled statements by Armenia's Security Council chief regarding the potential acceptance of Russian citizens during a mobilization as a provocation. Maria Zakharova, the official representative of Russia's Foreign Ministry, stated that Armen Simonyan, the Secretary of Armenia's Security Council, "succumbed to a deliberately provocative question, drawing him into speculation, instigated by the Ukrainian junta and its Western patrons, about a possible mobilization in our country, which has been repeatedly denied by officials in Russia."

Zakharova asserted that Simonyan's remarks essentially encourage Russian citizens to engage in illegal actions. She also criticized the statements for giving a "toxic political окрас" (color/hue) to traditional Armenian hospitality. "We note with regret that the trend of official Yerevan representatives disseminating public statements that undermine bilateral cooperation with Moscow continues," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.

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succumbed to a deliberately provocative question, drawing him into speculation, instigated by the Ukrainian junta and its Western patrons, about a possible mobilization in our country, which has been repeatedly denied by officials in Russia.

Earlier, the Secretary of Armenia's Security Council had announced that Armenia was prepared to accept Russians should a new wave of mobilization be declared. He indicated that no additional checks would be conducted for Russians at border crossings. The Armenian authorities also expressed readiness to assist Russian citizens who had already left the country if necessary.

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We note with regret that the trend of official Yerevan representatives disseminating public statements that undermine bilateral cooperation with Moscow continues.