Russia hopes judicial branch will not be separated from people, says Zakharova on Gyumri mayor’s arrest

During a press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia is closely monitoring the situation in Gyumri, where the Russian 102nd military base, the consulate, and a branch of Rossotrudnichestvo are located.

“We approach Russian-Armenian relations with care and always defend those who support the traditional ties between our peoples. Regarding the mayor’s arrest, this is an internal matter of the country. At the same time, we note that cases have been initiated against several community leaders, and some have been detained. We hope that such processes will not lead to the separation of the judicial branch from the people or a loss of trust in it, as the country’s Prime Minister himself has mentioned as a systemic issue,” Zakharova said, adding that the matter is particularly relevant now as Armenia enters a new electoral cycle, with parliamentary elections scheduled for June 2026.