Turkey is sending Syrian mercenaries to Nagorno-Karabakh, both the French and Russian presidents say. Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin have expressed their concerns about this in a telephone conversation, the Élysée reports.
Both leaders stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire in the enclave contested by Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry had already said on Wednesday that Syrian and Libyan “terrorist” fighters will be sent to Nagorno-Karabakh.
Armenia has been accusing Turkey of this for some time. The Turkish and Azerbaijani governments contradict it.
Turkish President Erdogan has offered support to the Islamic ally in Baku. He demands that Armenia end the “occupation” of Nagorno-Karabakh and that Armenia leave the area that is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
Ilham Aliyev, the president of Azerbaijan, thanked Erdogan on Wednesday for his offer of support.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have also offered help, but Aliyev says his forces do not need outside help. He has ruled out reconciliation talks with archenemy Armenia.