No positive changes have occurred following previous protests. This was stated by one of the participants during a truck drivers’ demonstration in front of the government on October 20.

The drivers are demanding negotiations with Russia to amend the stricter legislation, which limits foreign citizens to a maximum stay of 90 days per year in the country.

“Neither calls nor any communication have been made. But we have information from the EAEU that for Central Asian truck drivers, this law has been suspended,” the participant said.

He recalled that last time, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan approached them. “What did he say to satisfy us? He said it is being handled at a high level. I could say the same — ‘it’s being handled.’”

The driver warned that they might block the roads: “Since 2018, as we’ve seen, that’s how issues get resolved.”

Another driver stressed that a sensible authority needs to handle the matter: “This is a state issue. If we don’t work for the state, don’t bring wheat and other goods, our country will starve. If they think a Russian or a Georgian can bring it… why them, and not an Armenian?”

A third driver noted the potential consequences if the problem isn’t resolved: “The New Year is coming. Goods won’t be imported, prices will rise, and everyone will be affected.”

The drivers are confident that the government can resolve the issue as other EAEU countries have.

Since September 1 of this year, citizens from visa-free countries entering Russia for non-work purposes may stay for 90 days per calendar year, whereas previously they could stay 90 days within six months.

Drivers point out that Kazakhstan managed to suspend this rule for Kazakh truck drivers, and they insist that Armenia should also try to resolve the issue.