Momentous Washington talks win wide Russian coverage

Russian media gave extensive coverage to the recent visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to the United States, highlighting their meeting with US President Donald Trump and the signing of a joint peace declaration at the White House.

Local media reports that, according to TASS, the leaders committed to a permanent cessation of hostilities, the establishment of trade, travel, and diplomatic ties, and mutual respect for each other's sovereignty.

During the talks, they initialled the peace treaty text and approved a roadmap that includes creating a transport corridor linking Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave via Armenian territory. They also agreed to urge the OSCE to dissolve the Minsk Group.

Trump announced the lifting of restrictions on military cooperation with Azerbaijan and the signing of bilateral economic agreements with both Azerbaijan and Armenia. Both Aliyev and Pashinyan expressed their willingness to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Interfax quoted President Aliyev describing August 8 as a historic day for Azerbaijan-Armenia relations and calling for the swift official signing of the peace treaty. He underscored the importance of Azerbaijan’s strategic partnership with the US and announced the creation of a delegation to negotiate a cooperation charter.

Kommersant reported that the Zangezur corridor within Armenia has been handed over to the US for 99 years, dubbed the Trump Route for Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). Trump described it as a transit zone ensuring Azerbaijan’s access to Nakhchivan while maintaining Armenia’s sovereignty.

Lenta.ru quoted Trump stating that Armenia is forging an exclusive partnership with the US to develop this corridor for up to 99 years, with the option for extension.

Vestnik Kavkaza noted that the leaders have formally documented their intent to resolve differences peacefully. The joint declaration outlines commitments to renounce armed conflict, unblock transport routes, establish diplomatic relations, and respect territorial integrity.

Vechernyaya Moskva emphasised that the signed agreements symbolise the achievement of peace, with Trump calling the event historic.

Vesti.ru reported that the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia have formally requested the OSCE to dissolve the Minsk Group. The joint declaration calls on OSCE member states to support this decision, highlighting the importance of ending the Minsk process and related structures.

By Tamilla Hasanova