Mikhail Yevdokimov, Russia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, stated that Moscow supports peace in the South Caucasus and is ready to contribute to normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“Peace in the South Caucasus is of great importance to Russia. And thanks to Ilham Aliyev’s wisdom and his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, that peace has now been restored,” Yevdokimov told BakuTV, as reported by Interfax.
He added that Moscow welcomed the agreement on the text of a peace treaty between the two countries and is interested in the further progress of the process.
According to Yevdokimov, Russia is prepared to do everything necessary to assist in developing transportation links and continuing the border delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
He also emphasized that relations between Baku and Moscow are developing dynamically. This is evidenced by four meetings between the two presidents last year, President Putin’s state visit to Azerbaijan, and three meetings between the prime ministers. Regular contacts also continue between Deputy Prime Ministers Shahin Mustafayev and Alexey Overchuk.
He noted that Russia and Azerbaijan have great potential to further strengthen their allied relations.
On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack on Artsakh, subjecting the region to intense shelling. On September 20, the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh agreed to a ceasefire proposed by Russian peacekeepers, accepting Baku’s terms: disarmament of the Defense Army and dissolution of the republic. Forced displacement of the population began on September 24, with over 100,000 displaced to Armenia. Only around 20 Armenians are believed to remain in Artsakh. On September 28, President Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree on dissolving the republic, effective January 1, 2024.
