Patience is a necessary companion for Svetlana and others in Stepanakert as they cope with a medical system stretched beyond its limits. A rheumatologist explains that some medicines used in the treatment plan are currently unavailable. The doctor emphasizes practical steps: staying physically active, reducing stress, and practicing patience, with the belief that these measures can help patients manage the situation until new supplies arrive.
Svetlana Harutyunyan, a resident of the de facto capital, sees the region’s challenges up close. The Upper Karabakh area sits in a disputed space, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but not acknowledged by many other states. In recent days the atmosphere has grown tenser as blockade measures restrict movement and access to basic needs.
The present climate is tense. On December 12, activists aligned with certain local factions implemented a ban on cross-border movement, effectively isolating Stepanakert and nearby towns. Only ambulances carrying critical patients are allowed to leave, while routine traffic and commercial goods face substantial obstacles. The supply of medicines and other essentials has dwindled dramatically.
Scarcely any medicines remain in pharmacies, with analgesics often the only available option. Food stocks are reported to be sufficient for the moment, but there is widespread concern about how long the reserve will hold. Svetlana voices a common worry: reserves are depleting, and the public is anxious about the coming days and weeks.
During the early days of the blockade, the water supply corridor was cut, a resource that originates from Armenia but passes through territory controlled by different forces. The outage lasted for several days before it was restored. The disruption carries humanitarian implications and slows ongoing political discussions. A spokesperson for the United States Department of State noted the importance of restoring free movement to sustain talks, underscoring the broader stakes involved in any resolution.
A stalled peace process
The history of Upper Karabakh stretches back for generations, with a long record of ethnic and territorial tension. In the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Armenia and Azerbaijan fought over control of the region, a struggle that reshaped the map and the lives of people living there. The first major conflict, spanning 1991 to 1994, ended with Armenian forces establishing a de facto administration in the area and expelling many Azeris who had lived there for centuries.
After a long period of stalemate, a new round of fighting broke out in 2020. Azerbaijan, supported by financial resources from oil revenue and strategic backing from allied countries, achieved a swift and decisive victory in what became a brutal campaign. The outcome left Karabakh greatly diminished and largely isolated from global networks. The Lachin corridor emerged as the only land route connecting the region to the outside world, guarded by Russian troops.
The December blockade widened the isolation. Svetlana reports that thousands in Stepanakert are waiting for relief, hoping for food supplies and the return of basic services. The atmosphere is tense, with fear and fatigue mounting as people await any sign that movement might resume. She notes a prevailing sense of resignation mixed with resolve as families attempt to endure the crisis while keeping faith in a possible reopening.
Since the end of the last major conflict, both sides have pursued negotiations with mediation from Russia, Europe, and the United States. Repeated attempts to reach a peace agreement have so far produced no lasting results. A former Azerbaijani official has criticized delays on the Armenian side, while officials in Baku insist that recent blocking actions are not directly tied to any particular diplomatic stance. The situation remains fluid, with each day bringing new uncertainties for residents and negotiators alike.
In Svetlana’s words, the daily grind grows heavier as the blockade persists. Yet a strong will persists among the people, who are determined to remain resilient. The challenge now is not only sustaining families but also preserving hope and unity in the face of disruption. The families, including Svetlana’s, hold on to the possibility that the road to relief and dialogue will reopen, allowing communities to recover and continue conversations toward a lasting peace.