Artsakh Blockade

Last updated: May 29, 2026

The Artsakh blockade began in December 2022 when Azerbaijani activists, later joined by military personnel, established a checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor , the only road connecting Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia. Over the following nine months, the blockade progressively tightened, cutting off gas, electricity, food deliveries, and medical evacuations. By the summer of 2023, the population of Artsakh was facing acute food shortages and a humanitarian emergency.

The blockade drew condemnation from Western governments and was the subject of proceedings at the International Court of Justice, which issued provisional measures ordering Azerbaijan to ensure free movement through the corridor. Those measures were not enforced. Russia’s peacekeeping contingent, which held a mandate to guarantee passage under the 2020 ceasefire, took no action to reopen the road. The United States and European Union issued statements but applied no meaningful pressure.

Azerbaijan’s military offensive on September 19, 2023 ended the blockade by ending the existence of Armenian Nagorno Karabakh entirely. Within three weeks, nearly the entire population of 150,000 Armenians had been driven from Artsakh to Armenia — what human rights organizations and international observers have characterized as ethnic cleansing. Groong covered the blockade in real time throughout its duration — the humanitarian conditions inside Artsakh, the diplomatic failures, and the eventual collapse.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Artsakh Blockade.

Guest:

Topics:

  • Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Flares Up
  • The Future of Artsakh and Artsakhtsis
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations

Episode 284 | Recorded: October 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Flares Up
  • The Future of Artsakh and Artsakhtsis
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations

Episode 284 | Recorded: October 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Surrenders, Armenia Watches
  • What “Peace Treaty” in Granada?
  • Arrested Artsakh Leaders Held Hostage

Episode 281 | Recorded: October 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Surrenders, Armenia Watches
  • What “Peace Treaty” in Granada?
  • Arrested Artsakh Leaders Held Hostage

Episode 281 | Recorded: October 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh
  • Genocide in Progress

Episode 280 | Recorded: Sep 25, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh
  • Genocide in Progress

Episode 280 | Recorded: Sep 25, 2023

Topics:

  • Armenia’s Diplomacy at the UN
  • Artsakh Elections / Blockade
  • Yerevan Elections

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia’s Diplomacy at the UN
  • Artsakh Elections / Blockade
  • Yerevan Elections

Guest:

Guest:

Topics:

  • Developments in Artsakh
  • Geopolitics in the South Caucasus

Episode 278 | Recorded: September 10, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Developments in Artsakh
  • Geopolitics in the South Caucasus

Episode 278 | Recorded: September 10, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Artsakh Domestic Developments
  • Developments in Geopolitics and Negotiations

Episode 277 | Recorded: Sep 3, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Artsakh Domestic Developments
  • Developments in Geopolitics and Negotiations

Episode 277 | Recorded: Sep 3, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Day 264 - Ep 276, September 1, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - September 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Arayik Harutyunyan resignation
  • Samvel Shahramanyan state minister
  • Kirill Kulakov new commander of Russian PKs
  • September 2 - 32nd anniversary

Episode 276 | Recorded: September 1, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Day 264 - Ep 276, September 1, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - September 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Arayik Harutyunyan resignation
  • Samvel Shahramanyan state minister
  • Kirill Kulakov new commander of Russian PKs
  • September 2 - 32nd anniversary

Episode 276 | Recorded: September 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • UNSC Meeting on Artsakh
  • Artsakh Internal Developments
  • Yerevan Elections

Episode 275 | Recorded: August 22, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • UNSC Meeting on Artsakh
  • Artsakh Internal Developments
  • Yerevan Elections

Episode 275 | Recorded: August 22, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 274, August 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - August 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Latest Developments around Artsakh
    • Kidnapping of People at Checkpoints
    • Cases of Starvation, Miscarriages
  • UNSC Discussion of Artsakh 
    • Lack of a Resolution and Follow-Through
    • Armenia’s Diplomatic Failures
  • New Artsakh parliament speaker David Ishkhanyan
  • Internet Stoppage, Food, Gas, Electricity Shortages
  • Continuing Azeri Aggression, troop movements and Buildup

Episode 274 | Recorded: August 19, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 274, August 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - August 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Latest Developments around Artsakh
    • Kidnapping of People at Checkpoints
    • Cases of Starvation, Miscarriages
  • UNSC Discussion of Artsakh 
    • Lack of a Resolution and Follow-Through
    • Armenia’s Diplomatic Failures
  • New Artsakh parliament speaker David Ishkhanyan
  • Internet Stoppage, Food, Gas, Electricity Shortages
  • Continuing Azeri Aggression, troop movements and Buildup

Episode 274 | Recorded: August 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Situation in Artsakh
  • Yerevan Elections Heating Up
  • July MPG Survey Outtakes
  • August MPG Survey Outtakes
  • Baku Poll
  • Thoughts on the Economy

Episode 273 | Recorded: August 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Situation in Artsakh
  • Yerevan Elections Heating Up
  • July MPG Survey Outtakes
  • August MPG Survey Outtakes
  • Baku Poll
  • Thoughts on the Economy

Episode 273 | Recorded: August 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • War of Words with Russia
  • Iran’s Diplomatic Perspective
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Artsakh: New Parliament Speaker

Episode 272 | Recorded: August 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • War of Words with Russia
  • Iran’s Diplomatic Perspective
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Artsakh: New Parliament Speaker

Episode 272 | Recorded: August 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Azerbaijani Propaganda in Shushi
  • Situation in Artsakh

Episode 271 | Recorded: July 31, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Azerbaijani Propaganda in Shushi
  • Situation in Artsakh

Episode 271 | Recorded: July 31, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 270, July 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - July 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Continuing Azeri Aggression
    • Daily shootings, mortar fire
    • Constant shooting at farmers in the fields
    • Level of hardship
    • Level of determination
  • Azerbaijan claims Armenians can use road through Aghdam
    • Chales Michel welcomes this!?!?!?!?
  • “National Movement” Launched on July 14, 2023
    • What is the message to the world, and goals?
  • HayaQve (.am)

Episode 270 | Recorded: July 19, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 270, July 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - July 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Continuing Azeri Aggression
    • Daily shootings, mortar fire
    • Constant shooting at farmers in the fields
    • Level of hardship
    • Level of determination
  • Azerbaijan claims Armenians can use road through Aghdam
    • Chales Michel welcomes this!?!?!?!?
  • “National Movement” Launched on July 14, 2023
    • What is the message to the world, and goals?
  • HayaQve (.am)

Episode 270 | Recorded: July 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Economic State in Armenia
  • September Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Estimating the War Dead
  • Hayaqve [.am]

Episode 269 | Recorded: July 17, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Economic State in Armenia
  • September Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Estimating the War Dead
  • Hayaqve [.am]

Episode 269 | Recorded: July 17, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations
  • US, Armenian NSC Advisors Meet
  • New MPG Poll
  • Haya-Qve [.am]

Episode 268 | Recorded: July 10, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations
  • US, Armenian NSC Advisors Meet
  • New MPG Poll
  • Haya-Qve [.am]

Episode 268 | Recorded: July 10, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 267, July 7, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - July 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Catastrophic Situation in Artsakh - Gegham Stepanyan
  • Zakharova Confirms Conditions, Calls on Azerbaijan to Drop Blockade
  • Hakari video fiasco - Pashinyan propaganda?
  • Azeri preconditions to Baku-Stepanakert talks
  • ANCA supported NDAA resolutions in US Congress

Episode 267 | Recorded: July 7, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 267, July 7, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - July 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Catastrophic Situation in Artsakh - Gegham Stepanyan
  • Zakharova Confirms Conditions, Calls on Azerbaijan to Drop Blockade
  • Hakari video fiasco - Pashinyan propaganda?
  • Azeri preconditions to Baku-Stepanakert talks
  • ANCA supported NDAA resolutions in US Congress

Episode 267 | Recorded: July 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
    • Negotiations in DC: chances of progress
    • Vartan Oskanian on negotiations
    • Rights and Security
    • Self-Determination for Artsakh
    • Border Demarcation
    • No Unblocking or Guarantees
  • Hayaqve.am
  • Rants

Episode 266 | Recorded: July 4, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
    • Negotiations in DC: chances of progress
    • Vartan Oskanian on negotiations
    • Rights and Security
    • Self-Determination for Artsakh
    • Border Demarcation
    • No Unblocking or Guarantees
  • Hayaqve.am
  • Rants

Episode 266 | Recorded: July 4, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Concrete Barriers On Hakari Bridge
  • Erdogan visit to Azerbaijan
  • Lukashenko at the CSTO
  • Putin Defuses Wagnerian Opera
  • Pashinyan 44-Day War Testimony in Parliament
  • HayaQve [.am]

Episode 264 | Recorded: June 27, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Concrete Barriers On Hakari Bridge
  • Erdogan visit to Azerbaijan
  • Lukashenko at the CSTO
  • Putin Defuses Wagnerian Opera
  • Pashinyan 44-Day War Testimony in Parliament
  • HayaQve [.am]

Episode 264 | Recorded: June 27, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 263, June 15, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - June 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Blocks Lachin/Berdzor Corridor after Shootings near Hakari bridge
  • Has Artsakh “returned to the negotiation table”?
  • International actions viewed from Stepanakert
  • Noting the half-year mark of the blockade
  • Artsakh Ombuds Report summary

Episode 263 | Recorded: June 15, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 263, June 15, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - June 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Blocks Lachin/Berdzor Corridor after Shootings near Hakari bridge
  • Has Artsakh “returned to the negotiation table”?
  • International actions viewed from Stepanakert
  • Noting the half-year mark of the blockade
  • Artsakh Ombuds Report summary

Episode 263 | Recorded: June 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
    • You say Chisinau, I say Kishinev
    • Deputy PMs Meet in Moscow
  • Israeli President Visits Azerbaijan
  • Pashinyan Attends Erdogan’s Inauguration
  • Armenia-Russia Relations

Episode 260 | Recorded: June 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
    • You say Chisinau, I say Kishinev
    • Deputy PMs Meet in Moscow
  • Israeli President Visits Azerbaijan
  • Pashinyan Attends Erdogan’s Inauguration
  • Armenia-Russia Relations

Episode 260 | Recorded: June 5, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 259, June 2, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - June 2, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Current Living and Humanitarian Conditions
  • Morale after Pashinyan’s Recognition of Artsakh in Azerbaijan
  • How is Artsakh Responding to Aliyev’s Amnesty Threats?
  • Moral of the Artsakhtsi Population
  • About Artsakh Men Being Denied Transit through Azeri Checkpoints
  • Have the Russian Peacekeepers Changed Under Lentsov?
  • All Parties are in Breach of the November 2020 Trilateral Ceasefire Agreement

Episode 259 | Recorded: June 2, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 259, June 2, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - June 2, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Current Living and Humanitarian Conditions
  • Morale after Pashinyan’s Recognition of Artsakh in Azerbaijan
  • How is Artsakh Responding to Aliyev’s Amnesty Threats?
  • Moral of the Artsakhtsi Population
  • About Artsakh Men Being Denied Transit through Azeri Checkpoints
  • Have the Russian Peacekeepers Changed Under Lentsov?
  • All Parties are in Breach of the November 2020 Trilateral Ceasefire Agreement

Episode 259 | Recorded: June 2, 2023

Dziunik Aghajanian - on Armenian Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, the Pashinyan Agenda, and Mother Armenia

Guest:

Topics:

  • Intro to Ms Aghajanian
    • Career path, Mentors, Influencers
    • Parting ways with the MFA
  • How did Armenia Resist Turkish Pressure prior to 2018
  • Impressions of 2018 events
  • On Pashinyan’s Policies to Surrender Artsakh
    • Letter Planning the Surrender
    • Messaging Aliyev to begin Instigations
    • Changing Security Doctrine
  • The Myth of Western Security Guarantees
  • Pashinyan’s Fiction re Alma Ata and Madrid Principles
  • On Armenia’s National Interests
  • On Armenian
 Read More

Dziunik Aghajanian - on Armenian Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, the Pashinyan Agenda, and Mother Armenia

Guest:

Topics:

  • Intro to Ms Aghajanian
    • Career path, Mentors, Influencers
    • Parting ways with the MFA
  • How did Armenia Resist Turkish Pressure prior to 2018
  • Impressions of 2018 events
  • On Pashinyan’s Policies to Surrender Artsakh
    • Letter Planning the Surrender
    • Messaging Aliyev to begin Instigations
    • Changing Security Doctrine
  • The Myth of Western Security Guarantees
  • Pashinyan’s Fiction re Alma Ata and Madrid Principles
  • On Armenia’s National Interests
  • On Armenian
 Read More

Guest:

Topics:

  • Accelerated Negotiations
    • Negotiations Carousel
    • Meghri Railway
    • Russia Finances Rasht-Astara
    • Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor
  • Artsakh Domestic Politics

Episode 256 | Recorded: May 22, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Accelerated Negotiations
    • Negotiations Carousel
    • Meghri Railway
    • Russia Finances Rasht-Astara
    • Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor
  • Artsakh Domestic Politics

Episode 256 | Recorded: May 22, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 253, May 11, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Mayil 11, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 11 Azeri attacks on Sotk, Armenia
  • Azerbaijan blocking ICRC convoys
  • Sarsang reservoir depleting
  • Rumors of a second pseudo-eco activist effort
  • Lentsov in Baku - what results?
  • Artsakh Ombuds & FM activities
  • Matthew Bryza bemoans Armenian Opp & diaspora
    • US Senate FR committee calls for sanctions
  • May 9 in Artsakh
    • Armenians, Artsakh and the victory in WW2

Episode 253 | Recorded: May 11, 2023

 Read More

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 253, May 11, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Mayil 11, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 11 Azeri attacks on Sotk, Armenia
  • Azerbaijan blocking ICRC convoys
  • Sarsang reservoir depleting
  • Rumors of a second pseudo-eco activist effort
  • Lentsov in Baku - what results?
  • Artsakh Ombuds & FM activities
  • Matthew Bryza bemoans Armenian Opp & diaspora
    • US Senate FR committee calls for sanctions
  • May 9 in Artsakh
    • Armenians, Artsakh and the victory in WW2

Episode 253 | Recorded: May 11, 2023

 Read More

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Berdzor/Lachin Corridor
  • Update on Armenian-Azeri Negotiations
  • Drug Use Epidemic in Armenia

Episode 251 | Recorded: May 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Berdzor/Lachin Corridor
  • Update on Armenian-Azeri Negotiations
  • Drug Use Epidemic in Armenia

Episode 251 | Recorded: May 1, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 250, Apr 28, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - April 28, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Lachin/Berdzor Corridor Blocked on April 23
    • So-called “Eco-activists” Have Left.
    • Armenian Rejects Discussions on Corridor Conditions
  • Does the Government have a plan?
  • Lentsov Replaces Volkov
  • Artsakh Farmers Fired Upon - Again
  • Would Artsakhtsis accept Azerbaijani Citizenship?

Episode 250 | Recorded: April 28, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 250, Apr 28, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - April 28, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Lachin/Berdzor Corridor Blocked on April 23
    • So-called “Eco-activists” Have Left.
    • Armenian Rejects Discussions on Corridor Conditions
  • Does the Government have a plan?
  • Lentsov Replaces Volkov
  • Artsakh Farmers Fired Upon - Again
  • Would Artsakhtsis accept Azerbaijani Citizenship?

Episode 250 | Recorded: April 28, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Genocide: 108 Anniversary
  • Azerbaijan Strangles Artsakh
    • Artsakh Strangled
    • International Community
    • Pashinyan’s Parliament Speech
    • Madrid Principles
    • Aliyev Continues Threats, Ultimatum to Artsakh Armenians
    • What Can Diaspora Do?
  • Israel - Azerbaijan cooperation against Iran?
  • Rants

Episode 249 | Recorded: April 25, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Genocide: 108 Anniversary
  • Azerbaijan Strangles Artsakh
    • Artsakh Strangled
    • International Community
    • Pashinyan’s Parliament Speech
    • Madrid Principles
    • Aliyev Continues Threats, Ultimatum to Artsakh Armenians
    • What Can Diaspora Do?
  • Israel - Azerbaijan cooperation against Iran?
  • Rants

Episode 249 | Recorded: April 25, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Intro to Anna Kostanyan and Hamakhmbum (Consolidation) Movement
  • New HR Ombudswoman Anahit Manasyan
  • Azeri Attacks and Infiltrations into Armenia
  • Yerevan Mayor-less Until End of 2023 Elections

Episode 248 | Recorded: April 16, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Intro to Anna Kostanyan and Hamakhmbum (Consolidation) Movement
  • New HR Ombudswoman Anahit Manasyan
  • Azeri Attacks and Infiltrations into Armenia
  • Yerevan Mayor-less Until End of 2023 Elections

Episode 248 | Recorded: April 16, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 246, Apr 12, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - April 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • April 11 Azeri Aggression near Tegh
    • What Agency does Artsakh have in keeping links open?
  • Bothsidism of EU and Russia in the face of Azeri Aggression
  • Who is to Blame for the Continuing Losses in Armenian Life?
  • Reaction of the Armenian Government
  • About the EU Mission and its Role and Effectiveness
  • Stepanakert invites Baku to talks
  • Artsakh Farmers Urged to work in Russian Presence

Episode 246 | Recorded: April 12, 2023

 Read More

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 246, Apr 12, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - April 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • April 11 Azeri Aggression near Tegh
    • What Agency does Artsakh have in keeping links open?
  • Bothsidism of EU and Russia in the face of Azeri Aggression
  • Who is to Blame for the Continuing Losses in Armenian Life?
  • Reaction of the Armenian Government
  • About the EU Mission and its Role and Effectiveness
  • Stepanakert invites Baku to talks
  • Artsakh Farmers Urged to work in Russian Presence

Episode 246 | Recorded: April 12, 2023

 Read More

Guest:

In this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking Naira Melikyan who shares troubling information from her attempt to travel to Artsakh via the newly built road passing by the village of Kornidzor. Armenian border guards turned away the Miasin group citing security concerns.

Episode 245 | Recorded: April 7, 2023

Guest:

In this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking Naira Melikyan who shares troubling information from her attempt to travel to Artsakh via the newly built road passing by the village of Kornidzor. Armenian border guards turned away the Miasin group citing security concerns.

Episode 245 | Recorded: April 7, 2023