Extension of Russian peacekeeping mission depends on Azerbaijan’s actions, says political scientist

Speaking with Alpha News, Russian political scientist Peter Kolchin commented on the presence of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh.

According to the expert, the presence of Russian peacekeepers as a factor strengthening the security of the region is in the interests of Azerbaijan.

“It is fundamentally important for Azerbaijan to prevent a new escalation in this territory; therefore, the presence of Russian peacekeepers as a factor strengthening the security of the region is even in its interests. We should not expect that the Azerbaijani authorities will insist on withdrawing the peacekeeping mission. Russia does not threaten the security of Azerbaijan, and the presence of peacekeepers does not pose any threat. And withdrawing peacekeepers for some publicity is also not in the interests of Baku, which in recent years has been trying to establish strong economic relations with Russia. So, I think that in the coming years, the issue of peacekeepers will definitely not be on the agenda of the Azerbaijani authorities,” the political scientist said.

According to the expert, the extension of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Karabakh after 2025 depends on what the situation in the region will be.

“Still, Russian peacekeepers are a guarantee that the Azerbaijani authorities will not show aggression against the remaining population. It is worth noting that a lot depends on the actions of Baku—to what extent Baku will be able to build a conflict-free and barrier-free environment in Karabakh without slipping into revolution,” Kolchin concluded.