The military spokesman, Col. Igor Gorbul, told the Interfax news agency
that Russian fighter jets stationed at a base in Armenia have conducted
about 300 training flights since the beginning of 2012, and have
increased the number of flying hours by more than 20 percent from last
year. 

Violence has flared recently along the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan,
the former Soviet republics, which have been at war over the disputed
territory of Nagorno-Karabakh for more than 20 years. At least eight
soldiers — five Azerbaijanis and three Armenians — were killed in
clashes along the border last week.

Russia, along with France, the United States and other countries, has
repeatedly urged a peaceful settlement to the dispute between Armenia
and Azerbaijan. Russia maintains a military base in Armenia and
regularly sells weapons to Armenia. 

Colonel Gorbul said Russian fighter pilots were preparing for combat.
“The main emphasis in performing aerobatic elements is made on the
ability to apply them in real-life air combat conditions,” he said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry last week said it regarded the border
clashes as “unacceptable” and would continue to try to broker a peaceful
settlement. 

Azerbaijan, which currently holds a seat on the United Nations Security
Council, said that it was also appealing to the United Nations for help
in hopes that international mediators could help reach a settlement this
year.