Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded sarcastically to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement regarding the 102nd Russian military base in Gyumri by quoting Mikhail Bulgakov’s novella *Heart of a Dog*.

At a briefing on Thursday, Pashinyan stated that Armenian authorities do not consider the presence of the Russian base vital, though they have not yet raised the question of its withdrawal. He said that Yerevan would not object if Moscow decided on its own to withdraw the military facility, but is prepared to discuss its continued presence if Russia is interested in keeping the base. The Prime Minister also noted that Armenia has never officially demanded the base's withdrawal.

The following day, Zakharova posted a media report on Pashinyan’s statement to her Telegram channel, adding a legendary line from Bulgakov: "Are you a man or a woman?".

The 102nd Russian military base is stationed in Gyumri. Amidst discussions regarding Armenia’s foreign policy trajectory, the question of the base's continued presence in the country has become a subject of public statements by both Russian and Armenian leadership.

Following a meeting with Pashinyan in Bishkek, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia has no intention of imposing its military presence on Armenia. He said that if Yerevan considers the base unnecessary, Moscow is ready to withdraw it, whereas if the Armenian side is interested in retaining it, Russia is ready to continue cooperation. It was to these remarks that Pashinyan responded with yesterday's statement.