Russian Peacekeepers' Entry Into Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Zone Acceptable for Armenia, Prime Minister

The entry of peacekeepers into the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone is acceptable for the Armenian side, and they could be Russian peacekeepers. This was stated by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in an interview with the Interfax agency.

“The entry of peacekeepers is acceptable for us. I can say that Azerbaijan's perceptions regarding the composition of peacekeepers do not align with Armenia's views. If we talk about compromise, the presence of Russian peacekeepers could be accepted as a compromise option. Russia has good relations with both Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is very important to take into account the opinions of other countries in the region so that peacekeeping forces stabilize the situation, rather than the opposite,” said Pashinyan.

Recall that on September 27, Azerbaijani armed forces launched a large-scale attack in Artsakh, targeting also civilian population. As of October 22, the Artsakh military has shot down 16 helicopters, 23 planes, 202 drones, 580 armored vehicles, primarily tanks, 86 vehicles, 10 armored personnel carriers, 4 TOS-1A heavy artillery systems, 4 Smerch, and 1 Uragan type multiple rocket launcher systems.

The adversary has suffered more than 6,459 casualties. On the Armenian side, preliminary data shows there are 874 casualties. Azerbaijani armed forces have also targeted military and civilian infrastructure in Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia, resulting in 2 civilian deaths in Gegharkunik, 36 civilian deaths in Artsakh, and 115 civilians wounded. Preliminary data indicates that more than 6,700 private properties, over 640 vehicles, and around 1,110 infrastructural, public, and industrial facilities have been seriously damaged.

Journalists from both foreign and local media outlets have been injured due to Azerbaijani shelling. A state of military emergency was declared in Armenia and Artsakh on September 27. Humanitarian ceasefires have been announced twice, but Azerbaijani forces have carried out diversionary operations and also shelled peaceful communities in Artsakh.