Lavrov Provides Details: What Actions Will Russia Take Regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan Border Situation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that Russia may act as a mediator in discussions regarding the demarcation of borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan. According to RIA Novosti, Lavrov made this statement during a press conference with his Tajik counterpart, Sirojidin Mukhriddin.

The Russian minister emphasized, “We have, in turn, provided our partners with detailed information about the efforts being made by the Russian Federation to resolve the incident that arose due to the lack of international legal formalization of the state border. In accordance with a preliminary agreement between the parties (Armenia and Azerbaijan), the Russian Federation has proposed to provide assistance in the process of delimitation and demarcation by initiating the establishment of a joint Armenian-Azerbaijani commission, in which Russia could participate in an advisory capacity, if you will, as a mediator,” said the Russian diplomat.

It should be reminded that during the night of May 12, Azerbaijani Armed Forces units crossed the state border of the Republic of Armenia in the area of Lake Sev in Syunik Province, advancing up to 3.5 kilometers. Similar incursions have occurred in certain directions of Gegharkunik Province as well. According to official information, several other attempts have also been prevented. So far, the negotiations with the Azerbaijani side, including the participation of the Russian side, have not yielded results; the majority of Azerbaijani forces that entered Armenian territory have yet to comply with Armenia's official demand for their immediate withdrawal.

According to the Ministry of Defense's latest report, as of the evening of May 18, the situation following the provocations carried out by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on May 12 and 13 has not changed. “In the absence of a reasonable timeframe for a peaceful resolution, specifically, should the Azerbaijani military not return to their starting positions without preconditions, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia reserve the right to resolve the issue through alternative means, including the use of force,” the Armenian Ministry of Defense's statement emphasized.