Maria Zakharova: Russia has always perceived the Armenian Genocide as its own pain and tragedy

Russia has always perceived the Armenian Genocide as its own pain and tragedy, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during a briefing on Thursday.

“April 24 is the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire. This mournful date has a huge historical, spiritual, moral and political significance for Armenia, our ally, for the friendly people of the republic and millions of Armenians in Russia. We have always perceived this tragedy as our own,” she said.

Zakharova noted that Russia was one of the first countries to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide and that commemorative events were held in many Russian cities.