Moscow calls on Baku and Yerevan to refrain from actions that could further escalate the situation on the border, a deputy spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexander Bikantov, said in a statement on Friday, July 30.

In the wee hours of July 28, the Azerbaijani armed forces attacked the Armenian positions in Gegharkunik province, triggering local battles. Three Armenian troops were killed, five others were wounded in the process, the Defense Ministry said, adding that the Azerbaijani forces have been thwarted back to their positions. The Azerbaijanis fired on Armenian positions on July 29 too, injuring one more soldier.

Bikantov said the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border remains tense. "We urge both sides to refrain from actions that could further exacerbate the situation and resolve all issues through political and diplomatic means," the Russian diplomat noted.

According to the spokesperson, Moscow is highly concerned about the incidents on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, "which led to the loss of human life." He said Russia is ready to continue furnishing assistance to help improve the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border "through de-escalation measures and the early launch of joint activities aimed at demarcating the border," the ministry pointed out.

"We intend to actively work on turning the South Caucasus into a region of stability, security and prosperity based on the trilateral agreements reached by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia on November 9, 2020, and January 11, 2021," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.