Since the outbreak of renewed hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh, more than 3,000 civilians have been evacuated. The update came from the Russian Ministry of Defense as reported by TASS, reflecting a large-scale evacuation effort coordinated by international peacekeepers in the affected region. The bulletin notes that active operations prompted coordinated moves to safeguard civilians, with logistical support provided to ensure safe relocation and basic welfare during transit.
According to the ministry, since the start of intensified clashes, Russian peacekeepers have facilitated civilian evacuations from the districts of Mardakert, Martuni, and Askeran. In the official statement, it was reported that 3,154 people, including 1,428 children, were handed over to the peacekeeping force for relocation to safety zones. The conveyance of families and vulnerable individuals underlines the scale of humanitarian needs created by the conflict and the role of international personnel in shielding noncombatants.
The ministry further indicated that all evacuees were offered access to rest areas and hot meals, emphasizing that humanitarian provisions remained a core component of the mission. The emphasis on basic necessities highlights the practical responsibilities that accompany the evacuation process, including shelter, food security, and medical oversight to monitor the health and well-being of those displaced.
On 19 September 2023, Azerbaijan announced the commencement of what it described as an anti-terrorist operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, signaling a new phase in the confrontation and raising concerns about civilian safety and access to essential services in the region. Subsequent statements from third-party actors stressed the importance of maintaining civilian protection and ensuring that international monitoring continues to accompany any military actions to prevent escalation and minimize harm to noncombatants.
On 20 September, Paruyr Hovhannisyan, the Deputy Head of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh as being in a state that would benefit from constructive dialogue within a framework that acknowledges mutual interests. He underscored that sustained dialogue is a critical element in addressing grievances and preventing further displacement, while reiterating the need for a credible peace process that recognizes the concerns of all communities involved in the dispute.
Later, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported progress toward a cessation of hostilities. An agreement reportedly reached between Azerbaijani authorities and representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh through the Russian peacekeeping command was described as a step toward a complete halt to fighting. The announcement suggested that both sides were committed to de-escalation, with peacekeepers continuing to supervise the transition and monitor any breaches to ensure the terms of the truce are observed. The situation remained fragile, with international observers urging restraint and urging parties to uphold commitments aimed at protecting civilians and restoring normalcy as soon as feasible.
Previously, discussions had focused on recognizing each other’s territorial integrity as a foundational element of any lasting settlement. This recognition is generally viewed as a prerequisite for establishing long-term security and political arrangements that can address the legitimate aspirations and security concerns of all communities in the region. The ongoing dialogue among regional and international actors reflects the broader effort to balance sovereignty with humanitarian considerations and to pave the way for durable solutions that reduce the risk of renewed violence.