Kremlin rejects criticism over inaction in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

During a briefing with journalists, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov sought to justify Russia’s inaction during Baku's shelling of Nagorno-Karabakh that began Tuesday, saying that “de jure we are talking about Azerbaijan's actions on its territory.”

“We do not accept this criticism in our direction, especially after the official decision of the Armenian side to recognize Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan," Peskov said.

He added that Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh “are doing concrete work” and are "not engaged in verbal scholasticism."

"[Our servicemen] fulfill their role as peacekeepers and help evacuate civilians — primarily children — from dangerous areas. This work continues night and day,” Peskov emphasized.

Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan accused Russia of inaction during the shelling, saying that Russia had an obligation to protect the population of Nagorno-Karabakh according to a 2020 trilateral agreement.