Some political forces and pro-Western non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Armenia are attempting to discredit Russia's military presence in the country.

Axar.az reports that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin made the remarks in an interview with RTVI.

"Unfortunately, we see that certain political forces and some pro-Western Armenian NGOs are trying to tarnish Russia's military presence in Armenia, portraying it almost as an instrument of occupation or as proof of some kind of hostility toward Armenia," Galuzin said.

He stated that such efforts have failed.

"All these attempts are futile because the overwhelming majority of the Armenian people understand the importance of Russia's military presence in Armenia as a key element of the country's security architecture," Galuzin said.