UK Lifts Arms Embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan
The United Kingdom has officially lifted its over three-decade-old arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan, marking a significant policy shift reflecting renewed optimism over peace efforts in the South Caucasus.
This decision was announced in a written statement to Parliament by Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty, superseding the government's previous communication of July 1, 2025, and formalizing the end of restrictions first imposed in 1992 in response to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
According to Doughty, the original rationale for the embargo “has now fallen away” following recent developments between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the August 8 peace summit in Washington hosted by the U.S.
The move reflects a major shift in policy, indicating a positive outlook on the peace efforts in the region.
Author's summary: UK lifts arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan.