Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense has announced that the Russian “peacekeeping” forces have fully exited the Nagorno-Karabakh region as of June 12.
The troops, numbering several thousand, were originally stationed in the contested area after hostilities intensified in late 2020 between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Nagorno-Karabakh, while under de facto governance by ethnic Armenians since the early 1990s’ conflict, continues to be internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
This withdrawal comes on the heels of Azerbaijani forces reclaiming the disputed area during a military strike in the autumn of 2023, starting the departure of Russian forces this past April.
The Azerbaijani authority has confirmed that, “the employees, weapons, and equipment of the peacekeeping troops have vacated our area in full,” as per official statements.
The inaction of Russian “peacekeepers” during Azerbaijan’s overnight offensive in September, which led to the defeat and collapse of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, instigated a strain in Armenian-Russian relations. Subsequently, a significant number of Armenians, approximating 100,000, evacuated the region for Armenia.
In a related development, Armenia sought the withdrawal of a Russian “peacekeeping” presence at Yerevan’s airport, which had been in place since Armenia’s independence.
Armenia’s Prime Minister, Pashinyan, expressed in February the country’s decision to “freeze” its engagement with the CSTO, a Russian-led military alliance, due to its non-fulfillment of obligations to Armenia and no longer intends to contribute financially to the organization.
The CSTO abstained from intervening during the 2023 Azerbaijani offensive. Armenia is now exploring EU membership opportunities, seeking to bolster relations with Western entities in light of its deteriorating bond with Russia.
Moscow has diplomatically protested against Armenia following a visit by an Armenian delegation to Bucha, as reported by the Russian state-run TASS agency on June 9.
FAQs about the Withdrawal of Russian ‘Peacekeepers’ from Nagorno-Karabakh
- When did the Russian ‘peacekeepers’ complete their withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh?
- The withdrawal was completed on June 12, according to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.
- Why were Russian ‘peacekeepers’ deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh?
- Russian ‘peacekeepers’ were deployed in 2020 after an escalation in conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region.
- What caused the withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers from Nagorno-Karabakh?
- Azerbaijan’s recapture of the region during a military campaign in September 2023 prompted the withdrawal of Russian forces.
- How did Armenia respond to Russian ‘peacekeepers’ during Azerbaijan’s offensive?
- Armenia experienced increased tension with Russia after the Russian ‘peacekeepers’ did not stop Azerbaijan’s offensive, leading to the defeat and dissolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
- What are Armenia’s political pursuits following the withdrawal?
- Armenia has “frozen” its participation in the CSTO and is considering applying for EU membership to strengthen ties with Western countries.
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