Understanding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Clashes, surrender, and ceasefire

Ethnic Armenian fighters in Nagorno-Karabakh have agreed to lay down their arms after Azerbaijan launched a military offensive, raising concerns about Russia's role as a power broker in the region. Nagorno-Karabakh, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but home to ethnic Armenians, has been a source of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The recent escalation comes after a ceasefire brokered by Russia ended the Second Karabakh War in 2020. Armenia has grown frustrated with Russia's inability to defend it against Azerbaijani aggression, leading to a diversification of its security apparatus. Turkey has expressed support for Azerbaijan, while Russia has expressed concern about the escalation of tensions.