Russian peacekeepers ensured the safe entry into Karabakh of more than 5,000 vehicles carrying pilgrims from Russia and Armenia on Christmas Day, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

Russian peacekeepers monitor the situation and control the observance of the ceasefire regime.

The representative of the Russian peacekeeping contingent, Aleksey Sergeev, said that the observation posts of the Russian peacekeeping contingent work as usual. The Russian peacekeepers conduct a permit regime for vehicles in transit, checking documents and inspecting vehicles if necessary. He said that they also monitor compliance with the ceasefire regime.

Representatives of the Armenian Church in Karabakh celebrate the Epiphany on 6 January, which combines Christmas and Epiphany. Russian servicemen together with their compatriots in the Christian church on the territory of the peacekeeping contingent deployed in Stepanakert will celebrate Christmas on January 7 and Epiphany on January 19, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.