Russian peacekeepers have been ensuring the security of Nagorno-Karabakh villagers during the harvest of grain crops in the Askeran region, near the new line of contact, the Russian defense department reports.

"Work is underway in the Askeran region and will continue within a week. The activity is happening near the demarcation line, so our presence is necessary," said Igor Sergeyev, a spokesman for the Russian peacekeeping contingent.

The harvest of wheat in the remote areas of Nagorno-Karabakh was delayed, as Russian sappers were clearing agricultural land from unexploded ordnance. With the harvest almost completed, local residents are now asking the Humanitarian Response Center wo help with the sowing.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev on November 9 signed a statement to end the war in Karabakh after almost 45 days. Under the deal, the Armenian side has returned all the seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, having lost a part of Karabakh itself in hostilities.