Russian and Azerbaijani Defense Ministers Sergei Shoigu and Zakir Hasanov discussed by phone the ways to stabilize the tense situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

"In connection with the aggravation of the situation in the zone of the peacekeeping operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu had a telephone conversation with Azerbaijani Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov on 25 March. The heads of the defense ministries discussed ways to stabilize the situation in Nagorno Karabakh and maintain security in the South Caucasus," the Russian Defense Ministry statement says.

The sides also exchanged views on the progress of the peacekeeping operation and the humanitarian situation in its zone.