VIDEO: Russia Takes a Crucial Role in Ensuring Peace, Protest Near Embassy

As a country that has experienced blockades and their consequences, Russia must fully understand and conceive the unacceptable nature of such actions. This statement was made by a member of the "Opening" civic initiative during a protest in front of the Russian embassy today in Yerevan. The protester drew parallels between the blockade of Artsakh and the horrific siege of Leningrad in the 1940s.

"It is unacceptable that under the control of Russian forces, the people of Artsakh are subjected to similar blockades and genocide in the 21st century," the initiative member noted. He emphasized that Russia has voluntarily assumed a significant role in ensuring peace in the region and overseeing the situation in Artsakh.

Members of the initiative expressed deep concern regarding Russia's role in Artsakh, recalling the blockade of the Lachin corridor, the depopulation of Berdzor, Agavno, and Sos villages, and the barriers created for the passage of humanitarian cargo, among other issues.

The protesters demand that Russia facilitate a special session of the UN Security Council and ensure the implementation of decisions from the International Court of Justice. They conveyed their position to the embassy in the form of a letter.

It is worth recalling that on December 12, 2022, a group of Azerbaijanis in civilian clothing closed the Stepanakert-Goris highway, which connects Artsakh to Armenia, under the pretext of environmental concerns. They left on April 28, as Azerbaijan established a checkpoint on the Lachin road on April 23, taking complete control over it. Artsakh has also been deprived of gas and electricity supplies from Armenia.

On July 26, 19 trucks loaded with approximately 400 tons of essential goods departed from Yerevan to the blockaded Artsakh. The trucks reached the Kornidzor community in Syunik and have been standing at the boundary of the Lachin corridor ever since.