Lavrov Discusses Possible Scenarios for the Situation in Artsakh with Jean-Yves Le Drian

On October 28, a phone conversation took place between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian.

“During the conversation, the ministers thoroughly discussed the situation's developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, expressing serious concerns about the ongoing large-scale military operations and calling on the parties to fully cease fire and achieve de-escalation of tension. They emphasized that there is no alternative to the diplomatic settlement of the conflict and the necessity for further coordinated actions with the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. Possible scenarios for the further development of the situation were discussed,” the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement said.

Lavrov and Le Drian highlighted the importance of demonstrating political will by the conflicting parties.

It is noteworthy that on September 27, Azerbaijani armed forces launched a large-scale attack in Artsakh, targeting the civilian population as well. As of October 28, the armed forces of Artsakh have shot down 16 helicopters, 24 airplanes, 220 drones, and 600 units of armored vehicles, mainly tanks, as well as 86 vehicles, 10 armored vehicles, 6 “TOS-1A” heavy flamethrower systems, 4 “Smerch” multiple rocket launchers, and 1 “Uragan” type multiple launch rocket system.

The adversary has suffered more than 6,674 casualties. Preliminary reports indicate 1,068 deaths on the Armenian side. The Azerbaijani armed forces have also targeted military and civilian infrastructure in Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia, resulting in the deaths of 2 civilians in Gegharkunik, 40 civilians in Artsakh, and injuries to 120 civilians. Preliminary data suggest that more than 6,700 private properties have been severely damaged, along with over 640 vehicles, and around 1,110 infrastructure, public, and industrial facilities.

Journalists from both foreign and local media have been injured due to the Azerbaijani forces' shelling.

A state of war was declared in Armenia and Artsakh on September 27. Humanitarian ceasefires have been declared three times, but each time they were violated by the Azerbaijani armed forces.