A soldier from the Defense Army of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) was tragically killed during a military operation conducted by the Azerbaijani armed forces. Edmon Marukyan, a correspondent for X newspaper, shared on his microblog that he believes this recent escalation of the conflict in Artsakh distinguishes itself from past escalations due to the heightened intensity of the fighting. Marukyan also emphasized the importance of international partners taking immediate action to prevent further casualties and any potential violence that may endanger the entire peace process.

Today, on December 4th at 14:35, Azerbaijani Armed Forces breached the ceasefire in the highlands of Varjunik (Vayots Dzor province), resulting in the tragic loss of Gerasim Avetik Avakyans. Avakyans, a dedicated member of the 1st battalion of the NKR Defense Army, was fatally wounded while serving in the Armenian positions. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

It is crucial that we keep in mind the seriousness of the situation. The continuous violations of the ceasefire agreement pose a significant threat to the stability and peace in the region. The recent escalation reflects a worrying trend, highlighting the urgent need for all international partners involved in the peace process to take prompt measures to prevent further casualties and to safeguard the progress achieved thus far. The preservation of peace must be prioritized above all else.

As tensions persist in the region, it is essential that all parties involved exercise restraint and diplomacy. Resolving this conflict requires a collective effort from the international community, as it impacts not only the lives of those directly involved but also has far-reaching implications for regional stability. Let us hope that swift action will be taken to address the situation and prevent any further loss of life.