The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the contested region has simmered for decades. In 2020, the two sides fought a bloody war for territory — one that ended with a fragile Russian-brokered truce.

The violent events of recent days have brought Russia’s peacekeeping role in the region into question as it appears focused on its war with Ukraine. Russia is a key ally of Armenia, although ties have been tested as Pashinyan pivots Yerevan’s foreign policy from Russia toward the West, undertaking joint military exercises with the United States.