Under these circumstances, one should not burden the fate of the Nagorno-Karabakh population on third countries, says Russian Foreign Ministry

The Russian side respects the sovereign decision of the Armenian leadership to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan’s territory, but this has fundamentally changed the basic conditions under which the declaration signed by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia on November 9, 2020, was made, as well as the status of the Russian peacekeeping forces stationed in the region. This is stated in a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that official Yerevan made this move during summits held under the auspices of the European Union in October 2022 and May 2023.

“We believe that under these circumstances, the responsibility for the fate of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh should not be burdened on third countries. It is imperative to begin preparations for a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan based on previously reached agreements,” the statement emphasizes.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stresses that reliable and clear guarantees of the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh should also be an integral part of that treaty. There is also a specific mention of the unwavering implementation of tripartite agreements between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, including the unblocking of transport communications and the initiation of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process.

The Russian side has reaffirmed its readiness to actively support the international community's efforts aimed at restoring the normal functioning of life in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“It is alarming that today the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh is developing according to a negative scenario. The humanitarian crisis in the area is deepening. The local population is facing acute shortages of food, medicines, and essential supplies, being virtually deprived of electricity and gas. This could have dramatic consequences for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and the ordinary residents of the region,” the statement highlights.