The decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin that same day regarding the change of leadership in Dagestan was published on the Kremlin website. Head of the republic, Sergei Melikov, has resigned, and Fyodor Shchukin has been appointed acting head.
Russian-Armenian relations will withstand all tests of strength from the West. US statements that Armenia wants to turn away from Russia are unfounded. This was stated by the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Zakharova.
She also noted that such statements are another example of geopolitical engineering by the Americans to create the reality they need.
"Throughout history, we have repeatedly lent a shoulder to the brotherly Armenian people, and we intend to do so in the future," Zakharova said.
Earlier, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien said that a significant part of the Armenian population, after the loss of Karabakh, is disappointed with Russia's actions and wants to distance itself from it. The US wants to take advantage of these sentiments and "are creating conditions to make this a reality."