“Iron General” Safonov, defender against Karabakh occupation, passes away at 84

Caliber.Az has received information that Major General Vladislav Nikolayevich Safonov, widely known as the “Iron General” for his dedication, courage, incorruptibility, and principled leadership, has passed away at the age of 84. He died on November 20, 2025, in the Volgograd region as a result of a stroke.

Safonov served as the commandant of the special regime district in the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO) and the surrounding areas of Azerbaijan. Between 1988 and 1990, he played a crucial role in protecting the Azerbaijani population and safeguarding Azerbaijani territories from Armenian occupation. His firm stance and principled approach helped maintain relative stability in Karabakh during a period of significant tension. For his efforts, he was sentenced to death at a rally organised by Armenian “Miatsum” (unification of internationally-recognised Azerbaijani territories to Armenia - ed.) supporters.

During his service in NKAO and later after his transfer to Rostov-on-Don, Safonov faced multiple assassination attempts by Armenian terrorists. In April 1991, Armenian militants in Rostov attempted to kill him once again but mistakenly targeted Colonel Vladimir Blakhotin, who lived in the same building as Safonov. Colonel Blakhotin, then Deputy Head of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the North Caucasus and Transcaucasia, was killed in the attack.

The Rostov Regional Court prosecuted those responsible for the murder. The accused included brothers Akop and Samvel Bagmanyan from Khankendi, Armen Antonyan and Kamo Yegiyan from Yerevan, and Karlen Akopyan from Rostov. Akop Bagmanyan and Armen Antonyan were sentenced to 15 years in prison, Samvel Bagmanyan received 12 years, Karlen Akopyan was sentenced to 4 years, and Kamo Yegiyan was released in court, having already served a 2-year, 9-month sentence for illegal possession and carrying of weapons during pre-trial detention.

Safonov’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to duty, fearlessness, and moral integrity. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of colleagues and civilians alike, leaving a lasting impact on the security and stability of Karabakh during a highly volatile period.

By Tamilla Hasanova