Russia Says Moscow Must Be Involved in Trump’s TRIPP Corridor in Armenia, Citing Security Concerns

Russia has insisted that the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) transportation initiative cannot be successfully implemented without Moscow's involvement, arguing that Russia's interests and security concerns must be taken into account.

In an interview with RTVI, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said the project would be effective "only with Russia's participation," stressing that Moscow's position should not be overlooked as regional transportation plans move forward.

Galuzin claimed that, following the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, Tehran would oppose an expanded U.S. presence directly along its northern border.

"Moreover, some experts believe that China would also be dissatisfied if the United States were to control a certain section of the transportation and logistics route connecting Central Asia to Europe," Galuzin said.

The Russian diplomat also argued that any cargo transit passing through Armenia must remain consistent with the rules and regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), noting that Yerevan has repeatedly stated it does not intend to withdraw from the Moscow-led economic bloc.

Referring to the proposed transportation corridor, Galuzin further noted that the route would pass through an area where Russian border guards have long served alongside Armenian forces in protecting Armenia's frontiers with Turkey and Iran. He also said that, according to Armenian officials, Yerevan is not considering closing Russia's military base in Gyumri.

The comments come as Armenia and the United States move forward with the TRIPP initiative. On May 26, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan initialed a strategic cooperation framework for the project during Rubio's visit to Yerevan. The agreement was formally signed during a virtual ceremony on June 4.

According to the agreement, Armenia retains full sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction over every part of the TRIPP project located within its internationally recognized territory. The document describes the initiative as a mechanism to strengthen Armenia's sovereignty while promoting regional peace, stability, and economic integration.

The project envisions seamless multimodal transportation links across Armenia as part of the broader Trans-Caspian Trade Route. It is also intended to provide a direct connection between mainland Azerbaijan and its exclave of Nakhchivan, while positioning Armenia as a key regional transit hub linking Europe and Asia.

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