Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakhartova today described allegations that Moscow seeks to undermine Armenia’s security as “absurd”.

"The peoples of Russia and Armenia are connected by strong bonds of friendship. They are rooted deep in history. We are ready to continue to strengthen both bilateral relations and cooperation in general. Against this background, statements emanating from Yerevan, as if the Russian presence creates some threats for Armenia's security, are absurd," Zakharova said during a press briefing.

She was referring to growing anti-Russian sentiment in Armenia and statements that Russia isn’t taking steps to open the Lachin Corridor to pressure the Armenian government to adopt a more pro-Russian stance.

Many in Armenia have called for the country’s withdrawal from the Russian-Backed CSTO military alliance. Some have called for the removal of Russian border guards as well.

Zakharova emphasized that Russian border guards have been making a significant contribution to ensuring Armenia's security and guarding the borders for decades.

"It is the objective reality that cannot be denied. Moreover, earlier, the current Armenian leadership publicly declared that Russia's military presence corresponds to the national interests of the republic,” Zakharova said

Zakharova said Russia is disposed to the "objective regulation of the situation around the Lachin Corridor, rather than engaging in populism."

"We are not in the mood to engage in populism, but in substantive work on the settlement of the situation around the Lachin Corridor. And regarding the demarcation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, we consistently support the activities of the bilateral profile commission. We are ready to support its work in every possible way, including by providing cartographic materials," she said

"Progress in this direction will facilitate the effective solution of controversial issues on the ground. Unblocking transport communications in the region is carried out by the relevant tripartite working group, co-chaired by the deputy prime ministers of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Under its auspices, serious preparatory work has been done, additional joint efforts are required to transfer them to a practical level," Zakharova said.

Photo: RIA Novosti / Press Service of the Ministry of the Russian Federation