Under the Shadow of the Ukrainian War, Dictator Aliyev Seeks to Expand His Influence: What an Austrian Publication Reports

The dictator Aliyev seeks to expand his influence under the shadow of the Ukrainian war. An article titled "Conflict Around Nagorno-Karabakh: How Dictator Aliyev Exploits Russia's Weakness" has been published in the Austrian paper Die Presse.

The author of the article first presents the situation in the Lachin corridor, where in recent weeks 120,000 Armenians have found themselves under blockade. "Under the pretext of environmental concerns, namely to prevent illegal mining in Karabakh, they (the Azerbaijanis) have seized the road," states the article.

Die Presse also notes that Russian peacekeepers, who are supposed to monitor the ceasefire and oversee the corridor, are doing nothing. The publication anticipates that this situation "could escalate further, jeopardizing attempts to reach a peace agreement diplomatically and could lead to a humanitarian crisis in an isolated area."

The article further outlines the current situation in Stepanakert, with closed shops, shortages of fruits and vegetables, as well as a lack of medications and fuel, complicating the transfer of the seriously ill and injured to the Republic of Armenia. Die Presse also quotes Artsakh’s state minister Ruben Vardanyan, who spoke about the humanitarian disaster and psychological pressure on the population.

Attention is then drawn to a mass rally in Stepanakert attended by tens of thousands of people demanding the opening of the road. "People continue to remain cut off from the outside world. The protest action demonstrates the vulnerability of the Karabakh Armenians. Since the last six-week war between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the fall of 2020, their security situation has significantly deteriorated," the publication writes.

The author emphasizes that fighting has continued on Armenian territory even after the ceasefire. "This blockade is not the first incident since the ceasefire achieved through Moscow's mediation. This year, there have been battles in the region, as well as in Armenian territory," the article states.

After providing a brief overview of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh from Soviet times to the 44-day war, the publication discusses Baku's objectives. "Baku aims to increase pressure on Russian peacekeeping forces and the Armenian side through the blockade. Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev is likely trying to exploit this and similar provocations to improve his standing in fragile peace negotiations. Aliyev has been leveraging Russia's weakness as a peace mediator for some time now. Preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, Moscow has less attention and resources for other hot spots," Die Presse notes, adding that Russia is not taking steps against Baku's aggressive policies, while Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has warned his counterpart Vladimir Putin that the 'urgent issue' needs a final solution.

At the same time, activists sent by Baku demand that all vehicles passing through the Lachin corridor be checked. "In this way, Azerbaijan can create its own checkpoints and thereby further expand its access to the area," the publication states, adding that Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov recently also stated that Baku demands access to Karabakh’s mines and will only then lift the blockade.