During a high‑level moment of dialogue with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the Nagorno‑Karabakh issue, noting that while the path ahead remains fraught with obstacles, it is moving gradually toward a resolution. The remark came as Moscow framed the talks within a broader effort to reconcile competing national narratives and address a long‑standing dispute that has shaped regional security dynamics for decades. Putin underscored that, even with the full spectrum of challenges and the stubborn pockets of disagreement that persist, the overall trajectory is toward finding workable mechanisms that could eventually translate into concrete steps on the ground. This assessment was shared in the context of ongoing diplomatic exchanges among the leaders, signaling an interest in keeping the negotiating process active and oriented toward tangible gains rather than stalemate. (TASS)
Observers note that the dialogue among the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaderships continues to cite mutual recognition of territorial integrity as a fundamental premise for any lasting settlement. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan indicated a desire to foster a direct and inclusive dialogue between Azerbaijan and the unrecognized Nagorno‑Karabakh Republic in a manner that preserves the stability of the region while addressing the legitimate concerns of both sides. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev echoed the possibility of advancing toward a peace agreement with Yerevan, contingent on the Armenian leadership’s acceptance of Karabakh as an integral part of Azerbaijan. At the same time, officials associated with Nagorno‑Karabakh have reiterated their readiness to resist external pressures, signaling that any solution must accommodate the interests and security considerations of all involved parties. (TASS)
Analysts emphasize that the path to a durable settlement depends on sustained confidence‑building measures, credible commitments, and robust dialogue mechanisms that can bridge gaps on sensitive issues such as status, security arrangements, and the rights of residents in disputed territories. The leaders’ statements reflect an ongoing effort to narrow disagreements through ceremonial and substantive exchanges, while regional concerns about stability, refugee flows, and cross‑border cooperation remain central to the negotiation posture. The evolving narratives from Moscow highlight a preference for incremental steps, verification regimes, and international backing to ensure that any agreement stands up to long‑term scrutiny and local realities, even as each side remains mindful of domestic political constraints and the broader international context. (TASS)