As Russia Claims to Continue its Efforts to End Blockade, Artsakh Leaders Sought to Reassure Residents

Russia’s Defense Ministry said that the command of its peacekeeping contingent was continuing negotiations with Azerbaijan to “restore traffic on the Stepanakert-Goris road,” as Artsakh authorities reassured concerned residents over the shortages and the humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the now 24-day blockade.

The Russian Defense Ministry has issued similarly-worded announcements since the Azerbaijani blockade of Artsakh began on December 12, claiming that its peacekeeping contingent “continues to perform its tasks” that reportedly include round the clock monitoring of 30 posts to ensure that the “ceasefire is being maintained.”

The current blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia, is in direct violation of the November 9, 2020 agreement, both Armenian and Artsakh authorities have pointed out in the past three weeks since the road closure began.