Russia condemns the destruction of Armenian churches in Stepanakert, and it does not change its position: the war against monuments is unacceptable, regardless of where it takes place. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated this at a press briefing Friday, answering a reporter's question about Azerbaijan’s demolition of Armenian churches in Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Zakharova noted that Russia "better than anyone" knows what it means when monuments related to shared culture and history are destroyed. "We [i.e. Russia] do not have double standards. This cannot be done anywhere," she added.

The Russian MFA spokesperson drew attention to the lack of Yerevan's reaction in this regard, and suggested that the aforesaid reporter address the question first to the leadership of Armenia. "It would be very good to ask such questions first to the leadership of Armenia," she said.

Also, Zakharova recalled the 2020-2022 trilateral agreements between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, which provide for a path to humanitarian reconciliation, including the return of detainees and refugees. In her words, Russia is ready to help resolve such issues if there is such a request.