Russia considers banning the entry of Russian Armenian political scientist Andranik Migranyan to Armenia an unfriendly move by Yerevan. Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), stated this at Wednesday’s press briefing.

"We [i.e. Russia] view Andranik Migranyan's entry ban as an unfriendly step. It contradicts the allied status of our bilateral relations," Zakharova emphasized.

According to her, the Russian MFA has sent an official query to the Armenian authorities, demanding explanations.

Also, Zakharova noted that Russia has repeatedly called on Armenia to abandon the "vicious practice" of banning the entry of Russian citizens, who for some reason have become inconvenient for the Armenian authorities, into the country.

"This seems especially strange amid the Armenian authorities’ constant statements about their openness, democracy, and their commitment to pluralism," added the Russian MFA spox.

Zakharova noted that Moscow intends to continue raising this issue before Yerevan.