The statement made by Russia’s Ministry of Defense claiming two armed Armenian men were wounded as a result of shelling by the Azerbaijan Army near Shusha on September 17 is “surprising and regrettable,” said an official from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense on Sunday. 

"Thus, the incident was investigated with the joint participation of representatives of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the leadership of the peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation. As a result, it was established that the Azerbaijan Army Units did not open fire on the indicated date,” said Lieutenant Colonel Anar Eyvazov, the deputy head of the press service of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense.

“The Azerbaijani side continues its efforts to ensure stability in the region and prevent possible provocations in accordance with the legislation of our country, strictly adhering to the provisions of the Joint Statement," said Eyvazov.

On Nov. 10, 2020, following a 44-day conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Upper Karabakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh, and surrounding regions, the two countries signed a Russia-brokered cease-fire to end the fighting and work toward a comprehensive resolution.

During the six weeks of fighting, Azerbaijan liberated several cities and some 300 settlements and villages after a nearly three-decade occupation.

In line with the agreement, Armenian forces withdrew from Azerbaijani territories and Russian peacekeeping forces were deployed in the region.