Armenian truck drivers protest at Russian embassy in Yerevan

Armenian truck drivers staged a protest outside the government building on Sunday, voicing frustration over Russian visa rules.

After talks with an official failed to satisfy them, the drivers marched to the Russian embassy, demanding that the ambassador contact Moscow’s foreign ministry. They warned that unless the issue is addressed, they will block roads across Armenia on Monday morning.

Under new rules introduced on Jan. 1, citizens of countries with visa-free regimes with Russia can stay in Russia for 90 days per year if not engaged in work activities, compared with 90 days every six months previously.

Drivers said Kazakhstan had secured an exemption for its truckers and urged the Armenian government to achieve the same.