Russia is extremely concerned about the frequent violations of the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh and the ongoing blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan. The official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Maria Zakharova, stated about this in Thursday’s ministry press briefing, answering the question whether the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh will protect its residents if Azerbaijan carries out military aggression.
“According to the available information, the humanitarian situation in the region is worsening. Unfortunately, we have to state that the population of Karabakh may be left without a supply of food, essential goods, and medicine due to the cessation of supplies. This contradicts the tripartite agreements of the heads of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the provisions of [the statement of] November 9, 2020. We call on Baku and Yerevan to resolve all issues solely through political and diplomatic means. We call on the Azerbaijani side to unblock the Lachin corridor, to ensure through it the unhindered movement of people, vehicles, and cargo for civilian purposes,” Zakharova said.
As for the actions of the Russian peacekeepers in the event of Azerbaijan’s military aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh, “they will stem… these actions will correspond to the situation on the ground. And they will definitely proceed according to the arrangements reached between the three countries.”