Russian Peacekeepers to Be Deployed in Gegharkunik: Both Sides to Withdraw Forces, Says Governor

Russian soldiers will be deployed in the Gegharkunik region in the coming days. This was stated by Gegharkunik Governor Gnel Sanosyan in an interview with 24news.

“The border situation is the same now, but trilateral negotiations are ongoing. In the coming days, there will be changes as our Russian partners will confirm their presence there, and a certain process will continue,” he noted.

Sanosyan clarified that he is not personally involved in the negotiations but is aware of the process. “Negotiations are underway for both sides to withdraw—ours and theirs. In this volatile situation, it is a rather good solution so that we do not have clashes, gunfire, or incidents. Both sides will withdraw, we will have stability at the border, and after that, the remaining processes will continue,” he stated.

It is worth mentioning that Azerbaijani military forces have invaded the sovereign territory of Armenia in the areas of Lake Sevan in the Syunik region, and in the border areas of the villages of Kut, Norabac, and Verin Shorja in the Gegharkunik region, since May 12. They are attempting to solidify their presence there. Several rounds of negotiations have taken place with the mediation of the Russian side. Thus far, the enemy has no intention to retreat.

Armenia has appealed to the CSTO and requested military assistance from Russia. The military-political leadership states that it wishes to resolve the issue peacefully but does not exclude the option of using force if negotiations do not yield results.

On May 25, a soldier, Junior Sergeant Gevorg Khurshudyan, was killed by gunfire from the enemy in the vicinity of the village of Verin Shorja in the Gegharkunik region.