Russian peacekeepers are withdrawing from Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory in Azerbaijan, following Azerbaijan's military offensive last year. The Kremlin confirmed the withdrawal, which was initially reported by Azerbaijani state media.
The withdrawal follows a 2020 ceasefire agreement brokered by Moscow after a six-week conflict where Azerbaijani forces reclaimed swathes of Nagorno-Karabakh. A subsequent offensive last September resulted in the displacement of almost the entire Armenian population of the region.
This move has strained relations between Russia and Armenia, with Armenia suspending its participation in the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and criticizing Russia for not intervening against perceived Azerbaijani aggression. Armenia has also joined the International Criminal Court (ICC), further complicating ties.
Despite the withdrawal, tensions persist. Armenia and Azerbaijan continue negotiations for a broader peace agreement, yet regular clashes and shootings occur along the border.