Zakharova: Gyumri Mayor`s story resonates within Russian society
She referenced earlier remarks by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at his year-end press conference on January 20, who was puzzled and concerned that one of the motives for the Gyumri mayor's arrest was his statements favoring a union with Russia and Belarus. "I would like to add that this story has resonated in Russian society, especially among those who have legitimate concerns about the future of Russian- Armenian relations. Some are connected to Armenia through family ties, some have businesses, and some have invested in the country," Zakharova said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also added that Moscow is aware that the so-called "political" charges against Vardan Nikolaevich Ghukasyan were recently dropped. "Nevertheless, we would like to emphasize once again: criminal prosecution for advocating closer ties with a traditional ally is inherently absurd. I want to emphasize: Russia has always been and remains committed to Armenia being a sovereign, independent, and prosperous state. What's wrong with that? How can anyone not see it? Moreover, when I say that Russia has spoken or continues to speak and adheres to this ideology, it means that such an ideology is reflected not just in words but in political actions. These are the steps that are being taken based on this political logic and will. Some Russian parliamentarians are also concerned about the deteriorating health of someone illegally accused of some "political" crimes. Now, this charge has been dropped, and the legally elected mayor of Gyumri still remains under arrest," she noted.
At the same time, Zakharova noted that the Armenian side's reaction to Vardan Ghukasyan's statements is strikingly dissonant with how Yerevan sometimes prefers to ignore comments coming from several countries, including European ones, which Armenian society itself interprets as completely, blatant and even very aggressive interference in domestic affairs. She added that Moscow has never heard of any legal action being taken, let alone arrests, against those who incessantly call for a reckless move toward the EU, joining it, or somehow, so to speak, attaching themselves to one side or another of the European Union.
"No, everything is fine. So, it turns out that they are implementing segregation based on nationality here, as well? After all, for the European Union, any degree of involvement in its policies truly entails the renunciation of a portion of sovereignty. As far as we know, this very approach falls under one of the articles of Armenia's Criminal Code. Why not investigate, punish, and analyze those who, by pushing Armenia toward the EU, literally call for the renunciation of Armenia's sovereignty-partial, complete, and so on?" she asked. She also recommended looking at what's currently happening within the European Union, how countries there can, but are in fact fundamentally incapable of defending their individual rights or interests, or collective ones, or anything at all. "This is precisely the renunciation of sovereignty when a country is forced to act against its national interests. And not just forced, but literally forced to sign off on prioritizing collective interests and not defending its own interests in any way if the EU's collective unconsciousness doesn't allow it and deems there is no point for this state to defend the national interests of any country," the Russian diplomat concluded.
Recall, Vardan Ghukasyan was arrested on October 21, 2025, in connection with a bribery case. On October 26, his lawyers announced a new case against Ghukasyan for "public calls to renounce Armenia's sovereignty" in connection with his statements about a union with Russia and Belarus. On November 21, it became known that Vardan Ghukasyan had been charged with a third offense, under Article 297 of the country's Criminal Code (hooliganism committed by a group of persons using information or communication technologies-maximum penalty of up to 5 years in prison).
On December 17, 2025, the court extended Vardan Ghukasyan's pretrial detention for another three months. On January 1, 2026, lawyer Zaruhi Postanjyan published a notice from the investigator stating that the prosecution initiated against Gyumri Mayor Vardan for calling for the renunciation of sovereignty was unfounded. According to the notice, Ghukasyan's actions did not constitute a crime, and therefore the criminal proceedings were to be terminated.