Title: Ceasefire Declared as Azerbaijan Wins Nagorno-Karabakh Offensive
In a major development, Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed to a ceasefire following a short but intense offensive in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Tensions had been simmering for months before Azerbaijan launched a renewed attack on Tuesday, ultimately leading to Armenia’s defeat.
Armenia has expressed disappointment and blame towards President Vladimir Putin for not providing military assistance during the conflict. Experts point out that Azerbaijan’s effective use of advanced weaponry, particularly drones, played a vital role in securing their victory. On the other hand, Armenia relied on outdated Russian-made arms, significantly impacting their military capabilities.
The aftermath of this conflict leaves the fate of ethnic Armenians residing in Nagorno-Karabakh uncertain. It now depends on Azerbaijan’s willingness to create a multiethnic nation and how they address the concerns of the region’s Armenian population. The loss of Nagorno-Karabakh has also raised fears in Armenia about potentially losing their own territories, particularly the strategic Zangezur corridor.
The Russian-brokered ceasefire, although offering a pause in hostilities, signify the end of the de facto independence that Nagorno-Karabakh has enjoyed for the past three decades. Many ethnic Armenians reside in Russia, with some still supporting President Putin and Russia as Armenia’s protectors. This connection dates back to historical times and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The root cause of this flare-up lies in Armenia’s reluctance to withdraw its forces from the disputed region, exacerbating the longstanding territorial conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Critics largely blame Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government for their loss, citing their focus on patriotic rhetoric instead of prioritizing economic development and modernizing the army.
Russia’s influence in Armenia and its ability to protect Nagorno-Karabakh have gradually diminished due to the country’s stretched resources, seen particularly in regions like Ukraine. As a result, the ceasefire has sparked protests in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, highlighting public discontent with the government’s handling of the conflict.
The recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh mark a significant turning point in the ongoing dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia. With a ceasefire in place, the international community will be closely watching how the two nations navigate their future relationship and address the concerns of the people caught in the crossfire.
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