The entry of Russian peacekeepers into the Nagorno-Karabakh [(Artsakh)] conflict zone has played a key role in stopping the bloodshed, Russian Federation Council chairperson Valentina Matviyenko told the plenary session of the Federation Council on Wednesday, RIA Novosti reported.

The Russian senators gave their consent to the Russian President to use their armed forces abroad as a peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh. "Today we see that the entry of the peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation has played an important role in stopping the bloodshed, brought peace to this suffering country," Matviyenko said.

She stressed that the Russian peacekeepers perform not only their main but also humanitarian functions, and assist in the return of refugees.