Issues of Stationing Peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh Must Be Coordinated with Baku, Says Zakharova

The timelines for the deployment of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh and related issues will be determined in coordination with Azerbaijani counterparts. This was stated by Maria Zakharova, official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a press briefing.

She responded to the question of whether it is possible to extend the mandate of Russian peacekeepers beyond 2025. According to Zakharova, Moscow has repeatedly addressed this issue, noting that it will be resolved taking into account the situation "on the ground".

“We are receiving information that part of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh (after forced displacement - ed.) wants to return, provided that appropriate conditions are created and their safety is ensured. In such a case, we will also support this process in our communications with the Azerbaijani side,” said the Russian diplomat.

Since December 2022, the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh have been under a blockade by Azerbaijan, which has led to a mass exodus by the end of September 2023. In recent months, the Lachin corridor was even closed for humanitarian cargoes, including the distribution of groceries by coupons, and bread production ceased due to a shortage of flour.