Russian Peacekeepers Withdraw from Nagorno-Karabakh Amid Tensions

Russian peacekeeping forces have begun withdrawing from the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, following months of escalating tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The pullout comes nearly four years after Russia brokered a ceasefire agreement that ended a six-week war between the two former Soviet republics over the mountainous enclave.

Under the terms of the November 2020 deal, Russia deployed around 2,000 troops to Nagorno-Karabakh to monitor the fragile truce and ensure the safe return of refugees. However, sporadic clashes have continued to erupt along the border, with each side accusing the other of violating the ceasefire.

In recent weeks, the situation has deteriorated further, with reports of heavy shelling and civilian casualties on both sides. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of launching a major offensive to seize control of strategic heights, while Baku claims its forces are responding to Armenian provocations.

Amid the growing instability, Russia announced that it would begin a phased withdrawal of its peacekeepers, citing the need to focus on other regional security challenges. The move has raised concerns among some observers, who fear it could lead to a resumption of full-scale hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Why this matters: The withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers from Nagorno-Karabakh threatens to reignite a long-simmering conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands more. The dispute over the region's status remains one of the most intractable in the former Soviet space, with both Armenia and Azerbaijan claiming historical and cultural ties to the territory.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that the decision to withdraw its forces was made in consultation with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and that it would work to ensure a smooth transition of peacekeeping responsibilities to other international actors. However, no specific timeline for the pullout has been announced, and it remains unclear who will fill the security vacuum left by the departing Russian troops .

Key Takeaways

• Russian peacekeepers begin withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh after 4-year deployment.
• Withdrawal follows escalating tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region.
• Sporadic clashes continue, raising concerns about a resumption of full-scale hostilities.
• Russia cites need to focus on other regional security challenges for the withdrawal.
• Unclear who will fill the security vacuum left by departing Russian troops.