Russia

Russia slams Yerevan over plans to interrogate WWII veteran

TASS English · 2026-08-12

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Russia condemned Armenia for planning to interrogate 103-year-old WWII veteran Rosaliya Abgaryan, calling it a mockery of shared history and values. • Why it matters: The incident highlights tensions between Russia and Armenia, particularly regarding Armenia's shift towards European democratic standards and its relations with Ukraine. • What to watch next: Monitor further developments in the interrogation case and any potential diplomatic repercussions between Russia and Armenia.

Russia slams Yerevan over plans to interrogate WWII veteran It is hard to find clearer evidence of the moral and spiritual decay that leads to rapprochement with the modern faceless, morally impoverished Europe and fraternization with the neo-Nazi Kiev regime, Maria Zakharova statedMOSCOW, August 12. /TASS/. Yerevan should be ashamed of itself for planning to interrogate 103-year-old World War II veteran Rosaliya Abgaryan, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. "We cannot but see this messaging as a continuation of steps taken by Yerevan, as this looks like a mockery of our common history and memory. We all remember that the ‘sovereign’ politicians and officials of the republic did not find the courage to besiege [Vladimir] Zelensky, who threatened to attack the Victory Day Parade on Red Square from the Armenian capital. We perfectly remember the public attempts of the newly appointed head of one of the educational institutions of the Defense Ministry of Armenia to whitewash the Nazis, as well as the house arrest of the chairman of the Union of Veterans of the Republic during the pre-election period under absolutely far-fetched pretexts. Now, the Armenian justice system, which is switching to ‘democratic’ European standards, has reached Abgaryan," Zakharova said in a comment. "You'd be hard-pressed to find clearer evidence of the moral and spiritual decay that leads to rapprochement with the modern faceless, morally impoverished Europe and fraternization with the neo-Nazi Kiev regime. Especially when it comes to Armenia, where, it would seem, respect and reverence for elders have always been the cornerstone of the Caucasian national identity. "Such honored people as Rosaliya Sergeyevna are the pride of all those who understand the true meaning of victory over the brown plague. They are the keepers of historical memory, universal human values and moral guidelines. Thanks to their courage and dedication, today's Armenia lives and can make plans for the future. Apparently, this was forgotten in the high offices of Yerevan. They also forgot that the top leadership of the republic met several times with Rosaliya Abgaryan and other veterans of the Great Patriotic War, including in Moscow, as part of celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory." Russia, as the diplomat noted, has no doubt that Abgaryan will be able to handle any interrogations. "But another thing is also clear - those who make a mockery of the memory of the war and the church hold nothing sacred," Zakharova concluded. The Anti-Corruption Court of Armenia intends to interrogate Abgaryan as part of a case against a supporter of the leader of the Strong Armenia party, businessman Samvel Karapetyan, Gohar Gumashyan, Gumashyan's lawyer Vahe Misakyan told TASS earlier. On April 14, Gumashyan and Vergine Stepanyan, members of the Strong Armenia party, were detained on charges of violating the legislative ban on charity during the pre-election period. TagsForeign policyMaria ZakharovaUkraine crisisRussia, Ukraine working to reunite children with families — ombudswomanMaria Lvova-Belova emphasized that it is not easy to solve such issues within one stateRead moreSwitzerland adds 45 entities, 9 individuals to anti-Russian sanctions list — TASSNine individuals have been blacklisted for the first time, including Rostec Executive Director Oleg YevtushenkoRead moreMultinational statement on missile launches signals preparations for major war — expertAlexander Stepanov pointed out that, of the 41 countries, only the US, France and Britain possessed ICBM technologyRead moreTwo suspected Russian drones found floating in Black Sea — Romanian defense ministerAccording to Romania’s acting Defense Minister Radu Miruta, the drones were spotted by a ship working in this area which called a coastal guard boatRead moreRussia destroys Ukraine’s US-made Humvee vehicle in Donetsk regionAs a result of a single precision strike, the enemy armored vehicle caught fire and its fuel detonated, the Russian Defense Ministry reportedRead moreUK seeks to ‘reboot’ high-level military contacts with Russia — The TimesAccording to the report, UK military chiefs fear an "unintended escalation" caused by the lack of dialogue with MoscowRead moreRussian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brassBattlegroup North units took control of the settlement of Shcherbakovka in the Kharkov Region and Battlegroup East units liberated the settlement of Novoye Pole in the Zaporozhye RegionRead moreGender transition surgeries in US to no longer be paid for by Medicaid insurance — TrumpAccording to the US president, dozens of US hospitals have ended "this so-called 'gender-affirming care'"Read moreJapan expresses protest to North Korea over launch of ballistic missileDefense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has said that Japan, together with the US and the Republic of Korea, is currently continuing to analyze information related to North Korea's missile launchRead moreIran to join BRICS New Development Bank soon, says Central Bank GovernorAbdolnasser Hemmati said the most important outcome of cooperation among BRICS member states is the creation of the New Development BankRead morePress review: NATO boosts Northern Europe presence as Israel blocks Gaza peace effortsTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 11thRead moreRomania's MFA provides no evidence of Russia's involvement in UAV incidents — embassyThe Russian diplomatic mission stated that the officials "were shown pieces of styrofoam" during the meeting with ministry representativesRead morePlans to deploy new weapons in Asia-Pacific region pose threat to Russia, says PutinThe Russian president said the conflict potential is growing in the Asia-Pacific region and NATO forces are infiltrating itRead morePress review: EU braces for winter fuel shortage as gold prices set to recoverTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 12thRead moreTurkey to keep Black Sea closed to military vessels - expertCanan Tercan noted that withdrawing from the Montreux Convention is legally possible, but quite unlikelyRead moreSpecial op is most serious test Russia facing over past 30 years — Kalashnikov CEOAccording to Alan Lushnikov, it is still too early to assess the results of the company’s work during the special military operationRead moreBiden caused US munitions problems by aiding Kiev — TrumpAccording to the US leader, Joe Biden gave Kiev munitions worth $300 billion to UkraineRead moreUkrainian MiG-29 fighter jet shot down by friendly fire — defense sourceUkraine’s State Bureau of Investigation opened a criminal probe after the fighter’s crashRead moreSyrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia — TVThe court also sentenced Atef Najib, the former head of the political security directorate in the Syrian province of DaraaRead moreItalian PM faces growing pressure over support for Ukraine — mediaAccording to the report, Giorgia Meloni is also "hardening her tone" on migrationRead moreRussia’s defenses in Zaporozhye make Ukraine’s military 'hit brick wall' — military expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the Russian army manages to hold back the enemy and advance on this directionRead moreWorld's first stratospheric platform successfully launched in ArcticResults of the platform's launch will be used for improving communications quality along the Northern Sea RouteRead moreSouth Korea calls on North Korea to cease missile launchesThe presidential administration stated that the actions of Pyongyang "are a provocation that violates UN Security Council resolutions"Read moreUkrainian drone attack kills civilian in CrimeaRegional head Sergey Aksyonov urged residents of Crimea to stay calm and vigilantRead moreIN BRIEF: Latest Russian strike targets defense industry sites, logistic centersThe crews of the Russian Aerospace Forces delivered strikes against Ukrainian temporary deployment sites and drone control centers in the DPR, the Kharkov and Sumy Regions, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreNovorossiysk declares state of emergency after Ukrainian drone attackAccording to the latest reports, a secondary school, a sports school and a college had been damaged in the attackRead moreTrump confirms release of US citizen Robert Gilman convicted in RussiaAccording to the US President, Robert Gilman will arrive in the United States early on Wednesday Moscow timeRead moreRussia has right to attack any ships carrying cargo for enemy — MedvedevThe Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed that Russian armed forces were capable of significantly extending their operations beyond the borders of the Black Sea basinRead moreRussian army is global military powerhouse — expertAccording to Hero of Russia Yevgeny Poddubny, Russia currently has the most combat-ready and powerful army in the worldRead moreSu-57 constitutes key element for achieving air superiority — Russia’s Air Force CommanderSergey Kobylash stated that during the special military operation, Russian aviation and aviation munitions "reached a qualitatively new level"Read moreEU wary of 'Trojan horse' as it considers faster enlargement — mediaAccording to the sources, the European Commission was drawing up revised rules for new members, which will be presented to EU leaders at a European Council meeting on October 15Read moreUS faces $13 billion in damage from Iranian strikes — newspaperIran has damaged or destroyed more than 42 US military aircraft, mostly large drones, but also fighter jetsRead moreRosatom completes construction of Siberian Ring Photon Source compoundThe Siberian Ring Photon Source is a complex of 34 buildings, facilities, and engineering and technological equipment spanning approximately 90,000 square metersRead moreMissile launched by North Korea falls outside Japan's exclusive economic zone — KyodoA source in the country's Defense Ministry told the news agency that there was no information about damage to vessels in the regionRead moreIN BRIEF: Casualties, strike on overpass in Novorossiysk, 502 UAV attack aftermathAir defense forces shot down several hundred UAVs during a massive attack on Russia’s southern Krasnodar RegionRead moreRussia to resort to measures in response to growing NATO presence in Finland — embassyAccording to a source in the embassy, Russia has repeatedly drawn attention to the detrimental consequences of this policy, and the diplomats are sure that Helsinki are aware of these signalsRead moreSupreme Court rules to disqualify Yabloko party from parliamentary pollsThe Yabloko party has five days to appeal the rulingRead moreNearly half of Russians expect app removal to push users to Android, poll showsExperts note that the consequences of removing Russian apps from the App Store could impact not only the current user experience but also the future of Apple's ecosystem in RussiaRead moreRussia warns Ukraine against any provocations against Belarus — Russian diplomatMikhail Galuzin reiterated that the Agreement on Security Guarantees between Russia and Belarus implies "an obvious mechanism for joint response" to actions considered threats to a member of the Union StateRead moreRubio says Trump nominated him for Secretary of State without prior discussionThe US president called him and said he was going to be the secretary of state, the politician saidRead moreAircraft possibly carrying Gilman makes stopover in IrelandA source in EU air traffic control services said that Shannon Airport is often used to refuel aircraft before flying over the AtlanticRead moreKalashnikov developing new-caliber round capable of penetrating body armor — CEOAccording to Alan Lushnikov, the development of the new caliber is related not only to its effectiveness against body armor but also to its range in direct combatRead moreEU uncertain who to pay for Kiev’s 90 bln euro loan — German MEPFabio De Masi accused the German government of irresponsibility for approving the loan to Ukraine without properly assessing the risks and consequences while "nothing has functioned in Germany for a long time."Read moreRussia poses no threat to Japan, Moscow has no claims against Tokyo — PutinDespite this, Japan has classified Russia as a major threat, the Russian leader saidRead moreEmbassy in Colombia receives no appeals from Russian citizens regarding earthquake — envoyNikolay Tavdumadze says embassy staff are in contact with the authorities to verify information about allegedly affected RussiansRead moreRussian Air Force Commander calls Su-57 fighter key element in achieving air superioritySpeaking about the Air Force’s fleet, Sergey Kobylash noted that the "4++" generation multi-role fighters Su-35S and Su-30SM, as well as the Su-34M bombers perform ground support missionsRead moreGeorgia rules out restoring diplomatic ties with Russia — prime ministerAccording to Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgia’s objective with regard to Russia is a peaceful settlement of the conflictRead moreTrump says Russia agreed to release Gilman without exchangeAccording to the US leader, the Russian president agreed to release Gilman on a humanitarian basisRead moreSiding with West in conflict with Russia unacceptable for Serbs — politicianMilos Jovanovic explained that the reason was that the West positioned itself as an enemy of Serbia and the people of SerbiaRead moreJD Vance personally asks Kiev to stop strikes on CPC infrastructure — newspaperAccording to the Financial Times, the US vice president conveyed Washington’s request in a phone call with Vladimir Zelensky on July 31Read moreTrump says he would like to run for third term, but US laws very strictAccording to the US president, "everybody wants" him to do soRead moreWitkoff says he is meeting released American Gilman in United StatesThe US president's special envoy thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for granting the pardon and for "his personal engagement throughout this process"Read moreMoscow ready to exchange over 220 convicted Ukrainians for Russians — rights commissionerYana Lantratova added that the Russians in question included residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics and CrimeaRead moreUS expert views Gilman’s release as step towards de-escalation ahead of Witkoff’s visitAccording to Gilbert Doctorow, the move also could be aimed at de-escalation between Russia and NATORead moreCENTCOM reports disabling ship that attempted to breach blockade on IranAccording to the US military, the vessel has ignored repeated warnings while en route to an Iranian port via the Gulf of OmanRead moreCuba to embark on path of major change before end of Trump's presidential term — RubioThe head of the US foreign policy department did not disclose details of the changes he expectsRead moreMoldova's return to cooperation with EAEU would be in its best interests — ex-presidentIgor Dodon recalled that during his presidency, Moldova had become the first country to be granted EAEU observer status in May 2018Read moreKiev asks NATO for underwater vehicles, remote detonation systems — documentThe State Emergency Service of Ukraine requested the assistance in enhancing capabilities for humanitarian demining and transportation of explosive ordnanceRead moreRussian strikes destroy 80,000-100,000 sq m of refrigerated warehouses near Kiev — expertAccording to Alexander Bondarenko, the remaining facilities cover only 20-30% of the region’s needsRead moreUkrainians in Poland paying price for Kiev’s glorification of Nazism — Russian senatorAlexander Voloshin highlighted that the Ukrainian leadership had fostered the most radical forms of nationalism in Eastern Europe for many yearsRead moreConflict exposes US military’s weakness — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard CorpsBrigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi said that Iran had not yet reached its final objectiveRead moreRussia’s BARS-Kursk crew destroys over 30 Ukrainian UAVs in Sumy Region — soldierThe serviceman added that using radar stations, the troops track the flight of Ukrainian UAVs, lock onto the target, and then a Russian drone approaches the target and detonatesRead moreDeath toll in Houthi strike on Tihama rises to sixAnother 10 people were injuredRead moreTrump expresses his distrust of IranAt the same time, in the president's opinion, the US is in "a very good position" on the Iranian issueRead moreThirty-six special op military pilots honored as Heroes of Russia — Defense MinistryAugust 12 marks the 114th anniversary of the establishment of Russian Air ForceRead moreGerman lawmaker calls on government to rein in financial aid to UkraineMarkus Frohnmaier recalled that since February 2022, Germany has allocated more than 100 billion euro in assistance to UkraineRead moreRussian citizen detained in US state of Louisiana with big batch of drugs — ICEThe investigation is ongoingRead moreIran's Supreme Leader avoids public appearances for security concerns — IRGCMojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public since the start of the US-Israeli military operation against IranRead moreExpert doubts US is ‘running out of weapons’ due to conflict with IranMikhail Margelov explained that the Americans "have always been very businesslike and efficient in managing their weapons stockpiles, giving up very little over the years"Read moreIN BRIEF: What we know about foiled terrorist attack against Defense Ministry officerThe suspect planned to blow up a car of the employee of the military commissariat of the Krasnodar RegionRead moreImplementation of US peace plan for Gaza de-facto stalled — Russia’s UN envoyVasily Nebenzya stated that the ceasefire was still being consistently violated, first of all by the Israeli sideRead moreRussian swimmer Kornev wins gold at 2026 European Aquatics ChampionshipsMaxime Grousset of France won silver and Grigori Pekarski of Belarus finished thirdRead moreRussia develops Darwin-D protective net to shield roads from UAV attacksThe net is designed to shield highways, major roads, and transportation arteries at least 12 meters wide from attacks by FPV drones and fixed-wing UAVsRead moreRussian Air Force aircraft fleet almost 100% modernized — commanderSergey Kobylash added that since the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, the Russian Air Force has "achieved impressive results in engaging both ground and air targets"Read moreEU can supply Ukraine with weapons purchased from US — TrumpThe US president reiterated that he does not give weapons to UkraineRead moreGagauzia head transferred to prison with conditions degrading to human dignity — lawyerSergiu Moraru says that in this prison there is often no water for two or three daysRead morePutin arrives in Far Eastern city of Yuzhno-SakhalinskThe Russian president will attend the final stage of the Pacific Fleet’s exercisesRead moreIN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements on innovations, sovereignty, SKIFThe head of state noted that Russia has grown even stronger by expanding its technological capabilitiesRead morePutin arrives aboard Varyag missile cruiserPacific Fleet Commander Admiral Viktor Liina reported to the president on the fleet’s ongoing drillsRead moreAll US bases will be seized if Washington uses nuclear weapons against Iran — IRGCBrigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi did not clarify whether the Iranian military would occupy the US bases on its own or with the help of other forcesRead moreUS controls Strait of Hormuz, would strike Iran if it attempted to change that — TrumpThe US president clarified that the strait was under complete controlRead moreIN BRIEF: What we know about release of American Robert Gilman, convicted in RussiaRobert Gilman was detained in 2022 at the Voronezh railway station after being involved in a drunken brawl on the Sukhum-Moscow trainRead moreHouthis say they attacked Saudi forces’ positions in YemenThe attack left "dozens killed and wounded, including Saudis," Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree saysRead moreMoldovan authorities ignoring threats to world from Kiev regime — Russian embassyThe diplomatic mission called on Chisinau to refrain from further escalatory steps that prove to be harmful for Moldovan citizensRead moreKiev concerned over Russia’s Rassvet low-Earth orbit satellite constellationIn late March, Russia’s Bureau 1440 company successfully orbited the first 16 satellites of the Rassvet low-Earth orbit constellationRead moreIN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on Western 'piracy, robbery', groundless Japan’s claimsThe Russian president said the Pacific Fleet’s marines carry out missions in the Pacific Operational Area "boldly, professionally, and heroically"Read moreRussian rhythmic gymnasts return to World Championships after five seasonsThe national team will compete in Frankfurt am MainRead moreTensions mount both in Asia-Pacific region, Arctic zone — PutinThe head of state stresses that Russia has always advocated, and continues to confirm its readiness to cooperate in the Arctic and the use of the Northern Sea RouteRead morePentagon contractors for Golden Dome complete their first tests — BloombergAs the agency notes, the program included testing data transmission from sensors to the interceptor, as well as demonstration of propulsion systemsRead moreUkrainian forces choose targets to sow fear, panic, but Russia shall win — expertYevgeny Poddubny emphasized that the most important thing for Russia right now is to prevailRead moreUS could face 'bloodbath' if it launches ground operation against Iran — expertMikhail Margelov said there can be a lot of scenariosRead moreSu-35S pilot destroys two Ukrainian Su-27s in single air battle — commanderSergey Kobylash added that, "after skillfully executing a maneuver and taking up an advantageous tactical position," the Russian pilot fired three air-to-air missilesRead moreYabloko receives Supreme Court’s reasoned decision for removal from electionsThe court session lasted more than nine hoursRead moreUkrainian troops burn corpses of Colombian mercenaries with acid — war prisonerThe captured Ukrainian soldier added that he was guided to the position by a drone and was not provided with water or food, so he decided to surrenderRead moreDefeat in Kramatorsk to deal massive blow to Kiev — BildThe situation is getting worse day by day, and the frontline is moving closer to Ukrainian positionsRead moreRussian troops liberate Vodyanoye community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brassRussia's Battlegroup North units took control of the settlement, destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle and inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops over the past dayRead moreUS Department of Energy raises Brent oil price outlook to $86.81 in 2026The authority expects "most production" to recover by early 2027Read moreSerbian politician questions necessity of Zelensky's visit to BelgradeIn Milos Jovanovic's words, the people of Serbia "feel sad for casualties inflicted by the conflict on the two Slavic peoples," and Belgrade should "maintain the best possible relationship with all countries, including UkraineRead moreUS may launch ground operation against Iran by year-end — expertMikhail Margelov said Donald Trump will make decisions depending on how much Republicans loseRead moreTokyo changes position despite prior constructive relations with Russia — PutinAs the Russian leader recalled, the Soviet Union and Japan signed a declaration in the mid-1950s that opened the way to a peace treaty and, consequently, a solution to the issue of the Kuril islandsRead moreMoscow to respond in kind if West seizes Russian commercial vessels — PutinThe Russian president emphasized that it wasn’t just about the areas where Russian vessels could be seized but wherever Moscow founds it necessary and reasonableRead more

Source: TASS English
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
Russia

OPEC+ states’ output up by almost 1.4 mbd in July

• What happened: OPEC+ reported an increase in oil production by 1.383 million barrels per day in July 2026, bringing the total output to 28.928 million barrels...

Russia

Russian troops hammer Ukrainian fuel tanks, ship with military cargo in new strikes

• What happened: Russian troops conducted strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure and military vessels, targeting locations in Odessa, Ochakov, and Chernomorsk...

Russia

Tyumen Region Imposes Mass Pig Culls Over Mystery Outbreak

• What happened: Authorities in the Tyumen region of western Siberia have initiated mass culls of domestic pigs due to an outbreak of an undisclosed disease, wi...

Russia

US forces in complete control over Strait of Hormuz — President Trump

• What happened: US President Donald Trump announced that the United States Armed Forces have total control over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Iran lacks...

Russia

Baltic not NATO’s internal sea, Polish president warns

• What happened: Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated that claims of the Baltic Sea being NATO's internal waters are inaccurate, despite assertions from ...

Russia

Russian government postpones diamond export duty to March 1, 2027

• What happened: The Russian government has postponed the introduction of an 8% export duty on diamonds from September 1, 2026, to March 1, 2027. • Why it mat...