Diplomacy Gives Way to Brashness: Zakharova Turns to *Heart of a Dog* to Answer Pashinyan

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.

Последние новости
Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan must be
Politics
Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan must be "ten times stronger" than Armenia and recalled a "stab in the back"
5 October 2026

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the country must be "ten times stronger" than Armenia "every day," explaining this by the need to maintain military superiority even after the initialing of a peace agreement between the two countries. He outlined his position on October 2 at the 8th Congress of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party in Baku.
Rally held in Oslo demanding investigation into death of 14-year-old Chechen girl
Society
Rally held in Oslo demanding investigation into death of 14-year-old Chechen girl
5 October 2026

A rally by members of Norway’s Chechen diaspora was held outside the Norwegian parliament in Oslo on 4 October, calling for an investigation into the death of 14-year-old Maryam Mutsalkhanova, who died while in the care of the child welfare service Barnevernet.
Kadyrov assumes office as Head of Chechnya for the fifth time on his 50th birthday
Politics
Kadyrov assumes office as Head of Chechnya for the fifth time on his 50th birthday
5 October 2026

Ramzan Kadyrov assumed office today as the Head of the Chechen Republic for a new five-year term.
Another Moscow man apologises on his knees for insulting Chechens
Society
Another Moscow man apologises on his knees for insulting Chechens
5 October 2026

A Moscow blogger recorded a video apologising after making offensive remarks about Chechens during a livestream. In the video, he is seen kneeling and addressing the Chechen people:
​“I want to sincerely apologise to Chechnya for my words. At the time, I was drunk and said too much, but that is no excuse for my behaviour. I understand that my words could have been perceived as disrespectful to you and to your people, the people of Chechnya. I did not intend to show disrespect, and I sincerely regret what I said. I ask for your forgiveness! I respect you and understand that I should have watched what I said, regardless of the state I was in. This will not happen again on my part,” the blogger said.