‘We are starving to death:’ Residents of Nagorno-Karabakh fear for future under blockade
Residents of Nagorno-Karabakh have endured a severe blockade since a six-week war ended last month with a ceasefire agreement brokered by Russia. Azerbaijani forces remain in control of large swathes of the enclave they seized in fighting that left thousands dead and forced thousands more to flee their homes.
Residents in the enclave expressed fear that the settlement of the conflict may be even more detrimental to their lives than the war.
“We are starving to death,” said one resident.
Food is becoming harder to access. Prices of basic goods have shot up, leading to a surge in inflation and a decline in living standards. With borders closed, residents have only what is available locally—which is becoming scarcer by the day.
In addition to the humanitarian crisis, both Armenia and Azerbaijan are now accusing each other of violating the cease fire. Cease-fire violations have been reported daily in Nagorno-Karabakh, with both sides trading accusations of responsibility.
The future of Nagorno-Karabakh seems bleak. Yet, residents remain hopeful that a peaceful solution can be made possible. Until then, they continue to suffer under the blockade and wait in fear for what the future might bring.