Russia and Azerbaijan are evaluating all facets of the peacekeeping presence in the Nagorno-Karabakh region in light of Armenia’s decision to recognize the territory as Azerbaijani. The discussion reflects ongoing consultations among Moscow, Baku, and regional partners about the future legal and security arrangements for the area, as noted in statements by senior officials in the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Under the tripartite agreement among Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia signed on November 9, 2020, a Russian peacekeeping contingent was deployed to stabilize the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. Since the document has not been revoked, the peacekeepers were expected to remain in place through November 2025 and continue to monitor the ceasefire and the post-conflict environment.
Observers note that the situation in Karabakh has evolved significantly since Yerevan acknowledged Azerbaijani sovereignty over the region. This shift was formalized at a series of high-level discussions hosted with international backing, including a summit process initiated in Prague in October 2022 and sustained since then with EU involvement that underscored a broader regional security framework.
In September 2023, Azerbaijani authorities announced a local operation aimed at addressing what Baku described as large-scale provocations and at disarming Armenian forces within the region. The objective, as stated by Baku, was to restore constitutional order and ensure security along the line of contact with Armenian forces.
Following the events of late September, the parties, with Russian peacekeepers playing a mediating role, reached a ceasefire agreement that helped to de-escalate immediate tensions. This moment underscored the continuing function of the peacekeeping mission as a stabilizing mechanism in the aftermath of renewed clashes and political changes in the region.
Later developments included formal declarations by Karabakh authorities regarding the administrative status of the area, reflecting the complex legal and political processes at work as the region transitions to a new phase of governance. These changes have implications for the daily lives of residents, regional security arrangements, and the international community’s engagement with the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
Officials from the Russian Foreign Ministry have emphasized a cautious approach, highlighting the importance of respecting the involved states’ sovereignty and the need for a durable regional settlement. The evolving posture of the peacekeeping mission is presented as part of a broader effort to support stability, reduce tensions, and facilitate dialogue among the parties, with ongoing consultations to determine the most appropriate structure for future peacekeeping and reconciliation efforts. The overarching aim remains a durable, legally grounded solution that ensures the safety and rights of all communities in the region, within a framework supported by regional and international partners (attribution: Russian Foreign Ministry; EU summit declarations; regional security accords).