The Russian Ministry of Defense is not negotiating with Armenia and Azerbaijan about withdrawing Russian peacekeepers from Nagorno-Karabakh. TASS reported this, citing an unnamed diplomatic source familiar with the situation. The outlet quoted an interlocutor who called the information inaccurate, clarifying that the discussions in question concern planned contacts about the activities of the Russian peacekeeping contingent rather than a withdrawal decision.
In the background, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly criticized the performance of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh. He argued that Moscow no longer has the leverage needed to shape Baku’s choices and that the responsibility for security and stability in Nagorno-Karabakh rests with the Russian peacekeeping force deployed in the region. His remarks feed into broader tensions surrounding the mission and the evolving security environment in the South Caucasus.
Meanwhile, remarks from the Russian president have stressed the measured approach taken by Moscow. President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Russia employs all lawful mechanisms available to provide humanitarian support to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, underscoring a commitment to humanitarian aid as a central element of its role in the area. This emphasis aligns with ongoing efforts to maintain civilian assistance amid the complexities of regional politics and instability.
Additionally, the Ministry of Emergencies has outlined ongoing progress in delivering aid to Armenians in Karabakh. The department highlighted coordinated efforts to address urgent needs, including medical supplies, food security, and other essential services, reflecting a broader strategy to support affected communities while diplomatic discussions continue behind the scenes. The combined messaging from military, political, and humanitarian agencies illustrates the multi-faceted approach involved in managing the Nagorno-Karabakh situation.