Armenian authorities have pressed for an international mission to the Lachin corridor, seeking involvement from global institutions to help de-escalate the crisis. Reports circulating from TASS indicate that Armenia is urging action from the international community. Armenia’s Security Council Secretary, Armen Grigoryan, has emphasized that Yerevan is appealing to the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co operation in Europe, and the OSCE Minsk Group to play a direct role in resolving the unfolding tensions around the corridor. The call underscores a desire for external mediation to address urgent humanitarian and security concerns in the region.
Grigoryan stated that Armenia is asking these international bodies to dispatch a delegation to the Lachin corridor with the mandate to facilitate dialogue, verify compliance with agreements, and help restore safe and reliable passage. The appeal reflects a broader strategy to secure international pressure for an end to unilateral actions that threaten civilian access and stability in Nagorno-Karabakh. The unfolding situation highlights the complexity of balancing sovereignty, security guarantees, and humanitarian needs as regional actors seek a path forward through multilateral engagement.
The crisis intensified when a group of Azerbaijani actors blocked the Lachin corridor on 12 December, a move that Armenia characterizes as a barrier to humanitarian relief and civilian movement. Azerbaijan has cited environmental and economic concerns, including the alleged illegal exploitation of mineral deposits in parts of Karabakh, as part of its justification for the blockade. Armenia, in turn, attributes the humanitarian distress in Nagorno-Karabakh to the disruption of corridor traffic, warning that the blockade risks creating a severe supply shortage for communities relying on steady access to essential goods and services. The competing narratives illustrate how control of the corridor serves as a focal point for broader disputes over resources, security guarantees, and the rights of civilians caught in the middle of the conflict.
Earlier statements referenced in the media reported that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan criticized the Russian peacekeeping mission for not fully delivering on the obligations set out in the November 9, 2020 agreements, including those related to the Lachin corridor. The remarks point to perceived gaps between the commitments made in those accords and the day-to-day realities on the ground. The discussions around the peacekeeping mission emphasize questions about mandate scope, operational effectiveness, and accountability mechanisms that would guarantee safe passage for residents and humanitarian actors while preserving regional stability. As the situation evolves, international observers and regional stakeholders are likely to continue weighing the balance between formal agreements, on-the-ground security, and the urgent needs of civilians affected by the disruption in the Lachin corridor.