The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed through diplomatic channels that it requested a postponement of the trilateral discussions involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation. The message was conveyed to Russia in advance, with Armenian officials noting the humanitarian crisis created by Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor as a key factor behind the request. The remarks were reported by TASS, drawing on an interview Mirzoyan gave to Radio Liberty, where he is described in Russia as an influential foreign media figure.
In detailing the rationale for delaying the Moscow talks, officials stressed that the Lachin corridor blockade has escalated humanitarian concerns and impeded the practical implementation of any agreed terms. The Armenian side stated that its request to defer the meeting, which would have brought together the Armenian, Russian, and Azerbaijani foreign ministers, was communicated to both the Russian Foreign Ministry’s central office and the Russian Embassy in Yerevan. The dialogue highlighted that the decision to postpone was tied to on-the-ground conditions rather than a withdrawal of engagement or a rejection of diplomacy.
Following this development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a statement on December 23. He indicated that Armenia’s refusal to participate in a planned trilateral session, despite existing agreements to meet in Moscow, would not derail the broader process. Lavrov suggested that while ground realities presented difficulties, reversing established negotiations was not considered a viable option at that stage, signaling an insistence on maintaining a path toward dialogue.
Lavrov’s comments referenced an earlier arrangement from early December when all parties reportedly agreed to convene in Moscow for a fresh round of talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia’s decision not to take part in that scheduled meeting was noted as a hurdle, though the Kremlin’s stance remained focused on preserving the diplomatic framework and momentum of the negotiations rather than abandoning the process altogether.
During public remarks, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan were cited by observers as indicating that the Russian side stood ready to assist in arranging any future meeting on Russian soil. The emphasis was on facilitating a constructive environment and providing necessary support to bring the parties together, reflecting Moscow’s interest in sustaining dialogue despite ongoing friction and periodic stalemates on specific issues. This framing underscored a shared belief among the involved governments that engagement at the negotiating table remains the most viable avenue for addressing disputes and humanitarian concerns alike.