Russia Offered Armenia Compromise for 15 Years: Vladimir Putin on Nagorno-Karabakh Issue

Russia has offered Armenia a compromise for the past 15 years, proposing to return five districts of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan while keeping two, but has been met with rejection. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to a question concerning Nagorno-Karabakh at the Valdai Discussion Club, according to РИА Новости.

"I will not reveal a secret here. Over the last 15 years, we have repeatedly suggested to our Armenian friends to go for a compromise, to return five districts of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, keep two, and thus maintain the territorial connection between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. But our friends from Karabakh always told us, 'No, this will pose certain threats to us'", Putin said.

According to the Russian leader, the Russian side insisted that Azerbaijan is growing, has a developing economy, and is an oil and gas-producing country with a population of over 10 million. They suggested finding a compromise, making decisions within the framework of the UN Security Council, "ensuring the safety of the naturally established Lachin corridor between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh and guaranteeing the safety of Armenians living in this area."