According to sources cited by Armenian newspaper "Hraparak", separatist leader Araik Harutyunyan has returned from a series of meetings in Moscow and delayed his resignation. Harutyunyan reportedly gathered his closest entourage and said that there would be "no presidential election in the near future".

The leader also called for preparation for a long and tough confrontation, including responding to attacks, preventing sabotage attempts, and arming themselves from small to large for the coming war. Harutyunyan made it clear that the Armenian people had two choices: either to withdraw from Karabakh or to fight and, if necessary, die to maintain their independence. Integration with Azerbaijan is ruled out.

The situation in Karabakh remains tense following last year's six-week war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which resulted in Azerbaijan taking control of much of the region. Harutyunyan's delay of resignation and talk of tough confrontation will likely fuel tensions in the area further.