Russia has reported that Armenian fighters in the breakaway region of Nagorno Karabakh have begun surrendering their weapons. This comes as humanitarian aid reaches the 120,000 Armenians in the region who feel abandoned after their defeat by Azerbaijani forces. Nagorno Karabakh, which is recognized as part of Azerbaijan, was forced to declare a ceasefire on September 20th following a swift military operation by the larger Azerbaijani military.
Russian peacekeepers, of which there are approximately 2,000 stationed in Karabakh, are overseeing the handover of weapons and military equipment from the Armenian fighters. So far, six armored vehicles, over 800 guns, and around 5,000 units of ammunition have been handed over. In addition to the weapons handover, Russia has also provided more than 50 tonnes of food and other aid.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also contributed to humanitarian efforts by supplying 28,000 diapers, blankets, and fuel. A convoy from the ICRC reached the border heading towards Karabakh, marking the first delivery of aid since Azerbaijan regained control of the region.
The future of Karabakh and its ethnic Armenian population is uncertain, with Azerbaijan seeking to integrate the region and the ethnic Armenians expressing fear of persecution. Armenians in Karabakh have described being under siege, facing shortages of food, electricity, and fuel, and they have called for assistance from major world powers.
Azerbaijan has extended an offer of amnesty for Karabakh Armenian fighters who surrender their weapons and has stated that Armenians can choose to leave the region for Armenia if they wish. Armenia has made arrangements to accommodate tens of thousands of Armenians from Karabakh, although Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hopes they can remain in their homes unless absolutely necessary.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters, leading a congressional delegation to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, emphasized the importance of international observers and transparency from Azerbaijan to understand the situation in Karabakh. He called for visibility and access to the region to evaluate the situation.
The accounts of the fighting in Karabakh have been harrowing. Many Armenians have been displaced, losing their homes and possessions. Armenui Karapetyan, who is now homeless and carrying only a few belongings and a photograph of his deceased son, expressed a sense of abandonment and frustration with the unfairness of the situation. Thousands of Karabakh Armenians have sought protection from Russian peacekeepers at the airport, and Svetlana Alaverdyan, a displaced individual, described fleeing her village without even taking clothes due to the ongoing gunfights.