Dmitry Polyansky, serving as the First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, used a telegraph channel to express a sharp critique of the UN Security Council’s statement on the Lachin corridor. He argued that the document could not be accepted because of the involvement of France in shaping its wording and stance. Polyansky framed the French contribution as a decisive factor in the final form of the text, suggesting that Paris did not adequately reflect the proposals put forward by Russia and other Security Council members during the negotiations. He asserted that the manner in which the statement was prepared betrayed a willingness to push through terms that were not aligned with the broader position of the council’s members. The Russian side contends that the process, directed by France at Yerevan’s request, ignored a substantial portion of Moscow’s suggestions and corrected positions raised by other participants in the debate. Polyansky described the French approach as fundamentally biased and questioned the integrity of the method used to produce the final version of the statement, calling it dirty in its political mechanics. Thanks to that assessment, he indicated that the Russian side views the dispute over the Lachin corridor and the broader Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as something that is being resolved not merely through verbal assurances but through concrete, real-world actions. He emphasized that Russia is actively involved in seeking a solution to the conflict on the ground rather than relying solely on diplomatic rhetoric. This stance, in his view, underpins Moscow’s ongoing commitment to stability and security in the region, with practical steps and coordination continuing alongside diplomatic discussions. In his analysis, the Lachin corridor represents a critical route whose status affects humanitarian access and civilian safety, and it requires a process shaped by all parties and their legitimate concerns rather than a unilateral imposition of terms. Polyansky stressed that the situation demands a balanced approach that respects the realities on the ground and the roles of neighboring actors, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as international observers who monitor compliance and trust-building measures in the region. He signaled that Russia is prepared to deploy practical measures as part of a broader effort to stabilize the South Caucasus and to support efforts that prevent escalation while sustaining dialogue among the involved sides. The statement by Polyansky occurred after a series of recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh arena, where diplomatic channels have been active alongside military positions and humanitarian considerations. The overall message from Moscow, as he framed it, is clear: Russia is not merely a passive observer but a proactive participant in stabilizing the area and ensuring the safety of civilians crossing routes like the Lachin corridor, all while encouraging transparent negotiations and verifiable commitments from all sides. In context, Moscow’s position aligns with calls for an inclusive process that accommodates multiple viewpoints and the practical needs of communities affected by the conflict, aiming for a durable and verifiable agreement that preserves security, improves humanitarian access, and reduces the risk of renewed violence. This approach stands in contrast to perceptions of external pressure or one-sided mediation, as Russian officials emphasize that their involvement is rooted in concrete actions and a persistent pursuit of a sustainable settlement. The broader implication is that regional stability depends on genuine cooperation, verified commitments, and continuous diplomatic engagement that keep the focus on the well-being of civilians and the normalization of life in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor. Related developments include ongoing discussions among the involved parties and international partners, aimed at keeping channels open for dialogue and practical measures while avoiding actions that could derail the fragile balance in the region.
In a related development, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently visited military positions operated by the Armenian armed forces in a show of continued attention to security matters during New Year’s Eve, underscoring the persistent volatility of the area and the government’s emphasis on defense readiness, humanitarian concerns, and regional diplomacy. This visit highlighted the interconnected nature of military readiness, domestic governance, and international engagement as Armenia navigates complex regional dynamics with neighbors and international stakeholders watching closely for any signs of escalation or progress in peace efforts. Observers note that such visits, while symbolic, also send a message about readiness to protect civilian populations and support stability initiatives at a time when negotiations and on-the-ground realities intersect. The broader pattern suggests that high-level diplomacy, combined with verifiable security measures and humanitarian considerations, remains central to shaping the future of the Lachin corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh at large. These developments, viewed together, illustrate how states balance hard-nosed diplomacy with practical steps on the ground to manage a fragile peace process and to reassure citizens and international partners that the path toward stability is being pursued with vigilance and accountability.