The United Kingdom has urged both Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage in constructive negotiations on the of the border without preconditions.

On the morning of May 12, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the border of Armenia in the southern province of Syunik, advancing 3.5 kilometers and surrounding Sev Lake, which is situated on the border between the two countries but is predominantly a part of Armenia. On May 13, the Azerbaijani military committed more border violations against Armenia, advancing near Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) and Sisian (Syunik province). One Armenian serviceman was killed in Azerbaijan’s shooting on May 25, while six others were captured on May 27.

"Deeply concerned by ongoing tensions along the Armenia/Azerbaijan border," UK FCDO Minister for European Neighborhood and the Americas Wendy Morton said in a tweet Monday, May 31.

"The UK urges both sides to remove troops immediately, avoid escalatory actions and the laying of new mines, and engage in constructive negotiations on the demarcation of the border without preconditions."