Russian FM warns against external interference in Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized the efforts by Washington and Brussels to exclude Russia from the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process, claiming that such actions only heighten security risks in the region.

In an interview with Russian media, Lavrov stressed the importance of consolidating the peace process within a regional framework, involving the South Caucasus countries and their neighbouring partners, without external interference, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

“We believe it is crucial to continue the peace process within a regional context, involving the countries of the South Caucasus and their partner states, and to exclude harmful interference from outside powers,” Lavrov stated. “The attempts by Washington and Brussels to remove Russia from the negotiations only increase security threats in the region.”

Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting the negotiation process between Baku and Yerevan, based on the trilateral agreements signed by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia in 2020-2022. He emphasized that Russia would continue to assist in the process in any capacity required by both parties.

The foreign minister also stressed that Russia is not pressuring Yerevan and Baku to rush into signing a peace treaty. “We welcome the significant progress made in the peace process, but we understand that given the long history of hostility, military conflict, and loss of life on both sides, advancing normalization is challenging. It requires not only great effort but also time,” Lavrov said.

Unlike what he described as "Western pseudo-mediators," Lavrov emphasized that Russia is not pushing the parties toward a hastily concluded agreement. “A rushed peace, without a comprehensive understanding of the positions of both Baku and Yerevan, and the realities on the ground, would not lead to positive results. On the contrary, it would create additional risks for escalating tensions and conflict.”

Lavrov concluded by reiterating Russia’s interest in ensuring long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

By Vafa Guliyeva