Russia Takes Necessary Measures: MFA Statement

Russia is taking steps towards stabilizing the situation along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Denis Gonchar, director of the fourth department for the Commonwealth of Independent States at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made this statement in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“We are in close contact with both Baku and Yerevan. We are taking necessary measures to ensure the situation is resolved as quickly as possible,” he said. Gonchar accused the European Union of attempting to push Russia out of the South Caucasus, emphasizing that the EU is clearly trying to intervene in Russia's trilateral work with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“It is noteworthy that Brussels’ activity regarding the South Caucasus coincided with sanctions imposed by the West against Russia and the cessation of joint work within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group,” Gonchar stated.

The Azerbaijani armed forces launched an attack along the state border of the Republic of Armenia around 00:05 on September 13, conducting military operations in the directions of Syunik, Vayots Dzor, and Gegharkunik provinces. The Armenian Ministry of Defense reported that positions located in Sotk, Vardenis, Goris, Kapan, Artanish, and Ishkhanasar were subjected to shelling.

Civilian infrastructure is also being targeted. Intense operations continued throughout the night. Preliminary data indicates that the Armenian side has suffered 49 casualties. In a briefing yesterday evening, Armenian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Aram Torosyan stated that the situation remains tense in certain sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border as of 18:00. He added that data regarding Armenian losses is being confirmed.