Armistice Agreement Ends Second Nagorno-Karabakh War
An armistice agreement was signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia, effectively halting six weeks of intense conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The agreement aimed to establish a ceasefire, return of territories, and a Russian peacekeeping presence. This deal followed extensive military engagements, leading to significant territorial changes and casualties in the region. The three parties involved sought to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation of violence.
Agreement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia.
Ceasefire followed six weeks of intense conflict.
Significant territorial changes in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Russian peacekeepers deployed for ceasefire monitoring.
What Happened?
Following a resurgence of hostilities in the ongoing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, an agreement was reached between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia to cease hostilities. The escalation, which began in late September 2020, was marked by fierce fighting and resulted in substantial casualties on both sides. The region has been a focal point of dispute since the late 1980s, with both nations claiming historical and cultural ties to the area. The conflict led to the displacement of thousands and raised concerns over humanitarian issues. The November ceasefire agreement was orchestrated under the mediation of Russia, which played a critical role in negotiating peace terms. It included provisions for the withdrawal of Armenian troops from certain territories and the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to manage the ceasefire. The agreement effectively altered the map of control in the region, as Azerbaijan reclaimed territory it lost during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War in the 1990s.
Why Does it Matter?
The armistice marked a significant turning point in the decades-long conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, altering geopolitical dynamics in the South Caucasus. By facilitating Azerbaijan's territorial gains, it also underscored the influence of external powers such as Russia in regional conflicts. This development has implications for the future stability of the region and the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, influencing potential diplomatic avenues.