The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense conveyed condolences to Russia over the loss of Russian peacekeepers, a statement carried by the Ministry’s official site. The message expressed sorrow for the tragedy and offered deep condolences to the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the command of the Russian peacekeeping unit, as well as to the families and loved ones of the fallen soldiers.
According to the release, Russian servicemen were killed when a vehicle carrying peacekeeping personnel was struck near the village of Canyatag on September 20. The incident prompted investigations by joint Azerbaijani and Russian authorities, who are coordinating at the scene to establish all the circumstances surrounding the event (Source: Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense).
Earlier on September 20, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that a vehicle with Russian peacekeepers had come under fire in Nagorno-Karabakh, resulting in the deaths of all military personnel onboard. The announcement underscored the severity of the attack and the impact on the peacekeeping mission in the region (Source: Russian Federation Ministry of Defense).
Subsequently, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the peacekeepers who perished in Nagorno-Karabakh made a sacrifice for regional peace. Her remarks framed the loss as contributing to efforts to stabilize the area despite the violence that had erupted (Source: Russian Foreign Ministry press briefing).
Prior to these events, negotiations involving Azerbaijani authorities and representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh had been conducted with mediation from the command of the Russian peacekeeping unit. These talks reportedly culminated in an agreement to enforce a complete cessation of hostilities, underscoring the ongoing attempts to manage tensions and maintain stability on the ground (Source: Ministry of Defense statements and allied briefings).
Washington and Yerevan were not the only capitals involved in public diplomacy around the issue. The broader regional dialogue has repeatedly highlighted the delicate balance between asserting territorial integrity and pursuing stability, with both sides expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue under the aegis of peacekeeping forces. The peacekeeping mission, while facing a volatile environment, has been framed as a conduit for de-escalation and restraint in the contested territory (Source: official statements and regional security updates).
In the wider context, Armenia and Azerbaijan have repeatedly discussed mutual recognition of each other’s territorial claims, a complex topic that factors into how both nations approach negotiations, security guarantees, and long-term resolution prospects. Analysts note that any durable settlement is likely to hinge on sustained peacekeeping support, verifiable ceasefires, and credible mechanisms for monitoring and compliance. The latest developments reflect the continuing emphasis on stabilizing Nagorno-Karabakh while addressing humanitarian concerns and the safety of personnel deployed in the region (Source: regional security analysis and official disclosures).
Observers emphasize the importance of transparency in investigations and the consistent application of international norms governing peacekeeping operations. The joint investigative effort by Azerbaijan and Russia aims to illuminate the sequence of events, identify responsible parties, and prevent further loss of life. The human dimension—families, colleagues, and communities affected by these sacrifices—remains at the forefront of official statements and public reflection as authorities pursue accountability and a path toward enduring peace (Source: official statements and humanitarian perspectives).