Putin Urges Steps to Prevent Escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh During Call with Pashinyan

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. According to TASS, the Kremlin reported that during a telephone conversation between the leaders of the two countries, Putin urged to take all necessary steps to prevent escalation of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Previously, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is engaging in intense communications regarding the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, aiming to encourage the parties to cease fire and begin negotiations. “In connection with the escalation of the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh, Lavrov is having intensive contacts with the aim of urging the parties to cease fire and start negotiations to stabilize the situation,” Zakharova said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry had earlier called for an immediate cessation of hostilities along the Nagorno-Karabakh contact line. It is worth noting that early this morning, Azerbaijan launched air and missile attacks towards Artsakh. The spokesperson for the Armenian Ministry of Defense, Shushan Stepanyan, reported that the Armenian side has shot down two enemy helicopters and three drones. Fighting continues.

The press secretary of the President of Artsakh, Vahram Poghosyan, reported that the enemy has started shelling along the entire length of the contact line, targeting peaceful settlements, including the capital, Stepanakert. “Peaceful settlements are also being shelled, including the capital, Stepanakert. We urge the population to take cover. At the same time, we declare that our response will be proportionate, and the full responsibility for the situation lies with the Azerbaijani military-political leadership, and personally with Ilham Aliyev,” he wrote.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also reported on the attack. He noted that the Armed Forces are successfully resisting the attack and urged everyone to follow official news and stand firmly behind the state and the army.