Russian peacekeepers report protecting grape pickers in Nagorno-Karabakh

At a request of residents of the Askeran District, Russian peacekeepers ensured their safety while the local residents were harvesting grapes near the demarcation line in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Russian Ministry of Defence reported.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that the Russian peacekeepers have been in Karabakh since the autumn 2020. On August 25, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Russian Federation reported that the peacekeepers responded to a request of residents of the Martuni District to ensure their safety when harvesting grapes.

“The administration of the Askeran District asked for help to ensure safety of people during the harvest of grapes, since the vineyards are located along the demarcation line. The Russian peacekeepers will ensure safety for the harvesting during two weeks,” the Russian MoD reports on its official website.

In particular, the grape harvesting has begun in the village of Khramort. “Today, we have started harvesting under the protection of Russian peacekeepers. Our director decided to send part of the grape harvest to an orphanage, and children were very happy,” said Apik Artesyan, a spokesperson for a wine enterprise.

In the spring, combat engineers cleared the area in the Askeran District of explosives, the Russian MoD reported.