Putin, Macron Call for Ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have discussed escalation in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh over the phone late Wednesday, according to the TASS news agency.

In an official statement, the Kremlin said that the leaders have called on the warring parties to apply maxi,um self-control and to stop the confrontations as soon as possible.

"The sharp deterioration of the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone was discussed in detail. Serious concerns were expressed in light of the continuing large-scale hostilities. Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron called on the opposing party to implement an immediate and full ceasefire, de-escalate tensions and show maximum restraint," the statement reads.

Moreover, the press release added that the conversation highlighted the fact that there are no alternatives to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis by political and diplomatic means.

"In this context, specific parameters of further cooperation, particularly in the OSCE Minsk Group, were reviewed. The willingness to make a statement on behalf of the Minsk Group co-chairs (Russia, France, the US) in support of an immediate stopping of the armed confrontation and resumption of the negotiating process," the Kremlin stressed.