The Hakari bridge in the Lachin corridor, a critical link on the Armenia–Artsakh border, was closed by Azerbaijani authorities. The announcement came through the Artsakh information center and was reported by Armenia Today, signaling yet another episode in the ongoing tensions surrounding the corridor.
Artsakh officials denounced the move as a provocation and described it as a criminal action that further entrenches the blockade of Artsakh. They argued that the closure constitutes an attempt at ethnic cleansing, intensifying the humanitarian strain faced by residents in the region.
Officials in Artsakh stressed that Baku’s actions violate the trilateral declaration signed on 9 November 2020 and disregard rulings issued by the International Court of Justice. In response to the incident, Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan convened an emergency session of the republic’s Security Council to assess the situation and determine next steps.
Earlier in April, discussions between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin touched on the situation in the Lachin corridor during a phone call. The Armenian government described the talks as focusing on the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by what it termed Azerbaijan’s illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor. The dialogue underscored the allied concern over the immediate impact on civilians and aid deliveries in the affected areas.
During these exchanges, emphasis was placed on the role of Russian peacekeepers in maintaining order and ensuring safe passage for humanitarian aid. Armenian officials stated that it remains essential for the peacekeeping force to implement consistent measures that support civilian needs and facilitate relief efforts, while working within the framework of the existing agreements and international obligations.