Televised remarks by TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov stirred discussion by proposing that the Nagorno-Karabakh defense forces should integrate with the DPR and LPR units. The statement aired on the Russian state channel Russia 24 and has been interpreted as a call for reconfiguring local military structures in response to the evolving security situation in the region.
Solovyov argued that Russia had effectively withdrawn its peacekeeping presence from Karabakh while continuing to protect Armenian communities there. He suggested that the Karabakh armed formations could be organized into separate battalions within the DPR and LPR forces, presenting a reimagined security framework as a path to balance interests on the ground.
Earlier reports noted that Russian peacekeepers had facilitated humanitarian support to Nagorno-Karabakh, including the distribution of substantial quantities of essential supplies such as food and fuel to civilians in the area.
In Yerevan, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan criticized the security mechanisms linked to Armenia’s membership in regional structures, saying that the current frameworks have demonstrated limited effectiveness in the face of recent Azerbaijani actions against Armenia. He argues that the security architecture has not matched the scale of threats observed in recent years, calling for a reassessment of strategy and capabilities.
Pashinyan has previously charged that Moscow could no longer reliably influence Baku’s decisions, citing the perceived limitations of Russian peacekeeping efforts in the Nagorno-Karabakh context and suggesting that Nagorno-Karabakh fell within the broader responsibility of the Russian armed forces’ peacekeeping mission. This stance reflects growing frustration with the outcomes of the mission and its ability to shape events on the ground.
On the diplomatic front, statements from the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated a return to seeking a diplomatic resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh situation. The ministry signaled readiness to pursue talks and engagement with both Armenian and Azerbaijani stakeholders as part of a broader peace process, emphasizing that dialogue remains a central avenue for de-escalation and a political solution.
Overall, the discourse surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh continues to evolve as regional dynamics shift and international reactions unfold. Analysts note that the balance of power, the role of external peacekeepers, and the strategic calculations of Armenia and Azerbaijan will shape future steps toward stability and reconciliation in the South Caucasus. The central question remains how to reconcile security guarantees for local populations with the broader interests of regional players and external guarantors of peace, including Russia.
Marking the complexity of the issue, observers emphasize the importance of continued diplomatic engagement, verified humanitarian access, and transparent confidence-building measures. The path toward lasting stability in Nagorno-Karabakh requires careful coordination among regional actors and the international community, with an emphasis on reducing tensions and preventing further escalations while addressing the legitimate security concerns of all sides involved.