Tensions Persist in Nagorno-Karabakh: A Look at the Russian Peacekeeping Mission
Russia disregards accusations leveled against its peacekeepers in Karabakh.
The Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh was established following the 2020 ceasefire agreement, aimed at maintaining peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, the mission's effectiveness has come under scrutiny, given the recent withdrawal of Russian troops and ongoing regional tensions.
In an unwanted twist, Russia preemptively withdrew its peacekeeping contingent from Nagorno-Karabakh, arriving ahead of schedule in June 2025. Initially, the contingent was meant to stay until November 10, 2025 [2]. This sudden move breeds apprehension regarding the security and protection of the region's remaining Armenian population, as tensions between the two nations persist.
Despite the presence of Russian peacekeepers, Azerbaijan continues to control much of the historical Artsakh territories [4], adding fuel to the flames of conflict. Regional tensions run high, with both countries accusing each other of ceasefire violations and aggressive military build-ups [3]. To make matters worse, Azerbaijan is yet to sign a peace agreement with Armenia, demanding changes to the Armenian constitution before inking the deal [3].
The effectiveness of the Russian mission has been called into question given ongoing tensions and the withdrawal of peacekeepers. Despite its role in maintaining a ceasefire, the mission has failed to resolve the underlying issues or ensure the security of the Armenian population [5]. Russia's response to Azerbaijan's September 2022 attack on Armenia was met with criticism, with Armenia favouring an European Union observer mission over a Russian-led alternative [5].
The exit of Russian peacekeepers could lead to increased instability in the region, as there is no clear alternative mechanism in place to maintain peace. The shifting alliances, such as Armenia's recent military cooperation agreement with the UK [1][5], are hints that regional security dynamics need to be reevaluated.
As of now, the peacekeepers' news bulletin records the absence of ceasefire violations and continuous interactions with Azerbaijan "to ensure the security of the civilian population." However, the dwindling Armenian populace in Nagorno-Karabakh speaks to the lack of protection afforded by the peacekeepers [6]. Despite the vacuum left by the Russian peacekeepers, regional alliances continue to evolve, complicating the already fraught situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
- The ongoing withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers from Nagorno-Karabakh has raised concerns in the realm of general news, as their departure could potentially escalate war-and-conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- In the realm of politics, the failure of the Russian peacekeeping mission to ensure the security of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh has led to increased scrutiny, as regional tensions persist and the withdrawal of peacekeepers questions their effectiveness in maintaining peace.
