The Armenian Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, discussed the sensitive topic of Russian peacekeepers and their role in Karabakh during a recent interview on Public Television. He emphasized that the question of whether peacekeepers should stay is not something Armenia can decide alone. Negotiations are ongoing with Yerevan, and he pointed out that Russia has been in talks with Azerbaijan on this matter. Armenia has also taken part in those discussions, underscoring the collaborative approach among the involved parties. While Pashinyan refrained from giving a definitive answer about the future presence of peacekeepers, he signaled that the issue remains on the negotiation table and that outcomes will depend on the consensus reached through these talks.
In addressing the status of the 102nd Russian military base, Pashinyan confirmed that the base will remain on Armenian soil. He noted that Armenia did not push for the removal or change of the 102nd base or the accompanying Russian border guard presence because the legal framework justifying their stay remains intact. The statement suggests a continuity of security arrangements as defined by existing agreements and legal bases, rather than an abrupt shift in policy. This stance reflects a broader, longer-term approach to balancing security interests with regional diplomacy.
As a result, Pashinyan indicated that neither Armenia nor Russia is actively advancing any immediate changes to the arrangement surrounding the peacekeeping mission or the base, at least for the current period. The sequence of statements aligns with the broader goal of maintaining stability while negotiations continue, especially in a volatile regional environment where security guarantees are intertwined with political diplomacy.
On 19 September 2023, Azerbaijan announced the launch of an operation described as an anti-terrorist push in Nagorno-Karabakh. This development set the stage for intensified security activity in the region and prompted a rapid response in the form of diplomatic and military measures. (citation: regional security briefings and official statements)
By 20 September, negotiations, with Russian peacekeepers playing a pivotal monitoring role, resulted in an agreement to cease hostilities. The accord included provisions for disbanding Karabakh’s armed forces and for the withdrawal of heavy military equipment, with the Russian peacekeeping mission tasked with verification and monitoring of the process. This framework underlines the critical function of international monitors in enforcing ceasefires and ensuring that disarmament steps are carried out according to agreed timelines. (citation: ceasefire agreement summaries and international mission reports)
Previously, Armenia and Azerbaijan had engaged in talks concerning mutual recognition of each other’s territorial integrity. The discussions reflected a broader equation of security, sovereignty, and political recognition that continue to shape the region’s diplomatic landscape. While formal recognition remains a contentious and evolving issue, the dialogue highlights the ongoing efforts by the parties to find a pathway toward durable stability through negotiation, mediation, and international oversight. (citation: regional diplomacy analyses)