In an interview with Izvestia on February 15, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin addressed the recent escalation on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing Russia's call for mutual restraint from both sides.

Galuzin reiterated Russia's longstanding stance, urging both Armenian and Azerbaijani participants in the settlement to exercise maximum restraint along the line of contact. He emphasized the need to prevent incidents, particularly those involving shootings, fatalities, and injuries, as they undermine efforts toward Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization.

Regarding Armenia's participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Galuzin underscored that staying within the organization and engaging in full-fledged consultations is in the Armenian people's and state's best interests. He highlighted that there is no alternative to the CSTO mechanism in ensuring Armenia's security, with member states ready to assist Yerevan.

Galuzin noted that Armenia had previously been offered military-technical assistance and measures related to personnel training, as well as the deployment of a CSTO monitoring mission to border areas with Azerbaijan. However, these proposals were not approved or realized at that time.

Expressing Russia's perspective on the involvement of non-regional forces in the South Caucasus, Galuzin cautioned against the interference of Western powers, stating that the region's future should be determined by the countries directly involved. He highlighted the destabilizing effects of Western intervention in other regions and emphasized the counterproductive nature of involving non-regional forces in the South Caucasus.

Galuzin pointed out that Western interests in the region are not focused on helping Armenia normalize relations with Azerbaijan but on diminishing Russia's role and creating tension near its borders. He expressed hope for Yerevan's return to constructive discussions within the CSTO, emphasizing the importance of overcoming doubts and engaging in meaningful dialogue on the organization's agenda.