EU, US, and Russia Held Secret Talks in Turkey Days Before Artsakh Crisis: Report

High-ranking officials from the US, EU, and Russia held secret negotiations in Turkey just days before Azerbaijan's aggression against Artsakh, according to POLITICO.

The meeting marks a rare, albeit ultimately fruitless, engagement between Moscow and the West since the outbreak of the Ukrainian war over pressing security issues.

A senior diplomat familiar with the discussions revealed to POLITICO that the meeting took place on September 17 in Istanbul, aimed at exerting pressure on Azerbaijan to end the months-long blockade of the enclave and allow humanitarian aid convoys from Armenia to pass through.

During the meeting, the main focus was on how to "move those damned trucks" and ensure that food and fuel supplies reach the 100,000 residents in need.

The US was represented by senior advisor Louis Bono for Caucasus negotiations, the EU sent its special envoy Toivo Klaar, and Russia dispatched Igor Khovaev, the Russian Federation's special envoy for relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

An EU official commented to POLITICO, stating, “We believe it is important to maintain communication channels with relevant interlocutors to avoid misunderstandings.” The official also noted that Klaar has sought to keep communication open on various fronts, including discussions with Khovaev and Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.

The US State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the meeting, stating only that “we do not comment on private diplomatic discussions.” However, an American official familiar with the issue explained that the negotiations arose from the understanding that the Kremlin continues to control the situation in the region. “We need to be able to work with the Russians on this issue, as they indeed have influence over the parties, especially now when we are at a perilous juncture,” said the American official.

It is noteworthy that Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack against Artsakh on September 19.