Armenia’s largest freight transport company, Spayka, has officially confirmed that over 100 of its trucks have been halted in various Russian cities for several days. Karen Baghdasaryan, the company’s Development Director, stated that their legal representatives are in Russia trying to determine the cause, according to RFE/RL.
“We haven’t been officially informed of the issue. The trucks were simply stopped wherever they were at the time, and no reason was given,” Baghdasaryan said.
He added that this is the first incident of its kind in the company’s 24-year history. Although Russian law enforcement allowed perishable agricultural goods to be transferred to other trucks, Spayka’s own vehicles remain immobilized.
“In all Russian cities where our trucks were located, they were stopped within one or two days. Authorities said: ‘The trucks won’t move. If there’s cargo inside, you can transfer it to other trucks and deliver it to the recipient.’ Our drivers are awaiting further instructions and are also helping organize delivery of the goods to the consignees,” Baghdasaryan explained.
Russian official sources and media have remained silent on the issue. Armenian authorities have also yet to release clear information. The Food Safety Inspection Body stated that Spayka’s cargo had been inspected and cleared, and no concerns were raised by the Russian side regarding product quality.
The company has contacted Armenia’s Ministry of Economy, but the ministry has not provided further details. Last week, Armenia’s State Revenue Committee issued a statement urging exporters not to register shipments under unauthorized names, but it’s unclear whether that warning relates to Spayka.
Meanwhile, rumors are circulating that the company may have failed to fulfill financial obligations in Russia—an allegation Baghdasaryan firmly denied, stating that all export agreements are conducted with major Russian companies.
The problem began late last week. As this is currently the high season for transporting grapes, plums, and other fruits and vegetables, the stoppage of over 100 trucks is severely disrupting the company’s operations. Spayka has said it currently lacks enough information to determine whether the issue is technical, legal, or political.
