On November 2, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”.
“Lenta.ru” published 10 articles, 3 of which were the publications of the Azerbaijani side, 3 of the Armenian side, 4 were calls, statements of different countries and structures, as well as comments of state officials and experts․ 2 out of 4 materials are neutral, 2 are pro-Armenian, none is pro-Azerbaijani.
“Gazeta ru” published 13 articles, 5 of which were the publications of the Azerbaijani side, 5 of the Armenian side, 3 were calls, statements of different countries and structures, as well as comments of state officials and experts. All 3 articles were of a neutral character.
“Ria Novosti” published 25 articles, 11 of which were the publications of the Azerbaijani side, 11 of the Armenian side, 3 were calls, statements of different countries and structures, as well as comments of state officials and experts. All 3 articles were of a neutral character.
“TASS” published 15 articles, 6 of which were the publications of the Azerbaijani side, 5 of the Armenian side, 4 were calls, statements of different countries and structures, as well as comments of state officials and experts. 3 out of 4 materials are neutral, 1 is pro-Armenian, none is pro-Azerbaijani.
“Regnum” published 14 articles, 6 of which were the publications of the Azerbaijani side, 5 of the Armenian side, 3 were calls, statements of different countries and structures, as well as comments of state officials and experts. 1 out of 3 materials are neutral, 2 are pro-Armenian, none is pro-Azerbaijani.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet referred to the war crimes committed during the Karabakh conflict, she, in particularly mentioned a well-known video showing Azerbaijani troops executing two Armenian prisoners of war.
According to Russian media, the Norwegian government has decided to allocate 17 million Norwegian kroner (about 1.5 million euros) to humanitarian organizations assisting the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.
In one of the analyses it is stated that although Azerbaijan is trying to present itself as a winner, after more than a month of fierce fighting and numerous losses, there is no prospect of victory. “Baku and Ankara have obviously underestimated the Armenian army and the Nagorno Karabakh defense forces. Turkey’s plan to enter into direct talks with Russia as it happened in Syria, that is, to force Moscow to influence Yerevan or to do everything possible to make Armenia disappointed with Russia’s policy, fails,” the analytical article reads.
The author considers that amid the paper statements, drafts and resolutions, Turkey incites the continuation of the conflict. “American expert Michael Coffman does not rule out the option of US recognition of Nagorno Karabakh as a “way to put an end to the conflict.” If the events unfold in such a scenario, it will be a political surprise for Ankara and Baku. What about Moscow?”, the author adds.
