In St. Petersburg, a notable exchange took place on the sidelines of the informal CIS summit, involving Russian President Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The interaction was described by Peskov as a chance for the three leaders to engage in direct, unscripted conversation ahead of more formal negotiations. This moment underscored a diplomatic rhythm where diplomacy can begin with casual dialogue before any official document is laid on the table.
Both Aliyev and Pashinyan participated in the gathering with the understanding that no comprehensive negotiation would be concluded during this stop in the city. Instead, the leaders used the opportunity to exchange views in a candid, spontaneous setting, comparing notes with peers and assessing the potential paths forward in the broader effort to stabilize regional relations. Peskov emphasized that such informal exchanges are a valuable preface to more structured talks, letting the participants feel the pulse of the moment and test ideas in a practical, people-to-people context.
What emerged from the discussions, according to the Kremlin spokesman, was a sense of progress that could be built upon. The participants remained focused on the objective of achieving a stable and lasting peace, recognizing that any agreement would need to preserve the dignity and security concerns of all sides while maintaining a steady pace that reflects real-world constraints. The impression given by Peskov was that the meeting served as a constructive forum for social interaction, enabling leaders to move beyond formal procedures and assess the readiness of each side to embrace a future-oriented settlement.
On the substance of the talks, Peskov noted that there is a collective understanding among the involved governments about the benefits of advancing toward a formal agreement. He remarked that such an agreement would be a meaningful step toward stabilizing the peace in the two countries and, by extension, in the wider region. The emphasis remains on balancing strategic interests with the practical realities of governance, security, and regional cooperation. The Kremlin’s position, as conveyed by Peskov, is that the pursuit of a durable accord is in the interest of all parties and the broader international community, reflecting a shared wish to reduce tensions and promote constructive interaction among neighbors.
Observers highlighted the dynamic at the informal gathering as a microcosm of how high-stakes diplomacy can unfold. Leaders often test ideas in less formal environments before committing them to paper, a process that can help avert premature commitments and clarify where disagreements persist. The discussions in St. Petersburg were seen as a stepping stone toward more formal engagement, with all parties signaling a willingness to continue the work and review progress in subsequent meetings and negotiations. While no definitive timetable was set, the tone suggested that momentum was building and that the participants anticipate turning today’s conversations into tangible steps in the near future.
As the dialogue continues, analysts stress the importance of maintaining open channels of communication and ensuring that any emerging agreement aligns with shared regional interests and national security considerations. The leadership from Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to a peaceful settlement, with the understanding that sustainable peace requires careful negotiation, mutual concessions where appropriate, and steadfast implementation of agreed measures. The informal meeting in St. Petersburg is viewed as part of a broader strategy to foster trust, reduce misunderstandings, and set the stage for a comprehensive framework that can withstand evolving regional dynamics. These developments are being monitored by international observers who stress the need for transparency and steady progress, while respecting the sovereignties and prerogatives of each state. The narrative from the Kremlin remains that steady, measured steps toward a durable peace are both possible and desirable for all parties involved, marking a cautious but optimistic phase in the pursuit of regional stability.
Beyond the immediate circles, the discussions are interpreted as signals that the parties are committed to a constructive process. The emphasis on social interaction and direct dialogue helps build personal rapport among leaders, which can translate into more effective cooperation when formal negotiations resume. In public and private remarks, officials reaffirm that the primary objective is to reach an agreement that fosters tranquility, economic development, and long-term security for the people living in the region. As the situation evolves, stakeholders throughout the international community await further updates and concrete steps that will translate the momentum seen in St. Petersburg into concrete policy actions and milestones. The path forward remains a careful balance of diplomacy, principle, and practical diplomacy aimed at stabilizing a volatile but strategically important region. The overall message from the participants is clear: the work continues, and a successful outcome remains within reach for those who remain committed to peace and cooperation.