Head of Liberal Democratic Party of Russia Vladimir Zhirinovsky deemed Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement impossible without Russian mediation, suggesting Armenia and Azerbaijan should join Russia as a South Caucasian federal region to resolve the issue.

In an interview with Azeri Press Agency, Zhirinovsky noted that “Azerbaijan must govern the federal region due to the large number of population, with deputy governors elected among the Armenians.”

“We will recognize Karabakh independence, in case Armenia and Azerbaijan don’t accept the proposal,” he said.

“Recognition of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan by Russia will harm ties with Armenia. We need Armenia as a tool of pressure on Turkey. Armenia secures protection of our border from Turkey, which, in turn, hampers Karabakh resolution,” Zhirinovsky stated.