The capital city of Artsakh, Stepanakert, returned to its normal state of life.
Russian peacekeepers are already guarding the borders of Artsakh. They check the cars and documents of citizens entering and leaving Artsakh. There are several checkpoints before reaching Stepanakert where the Russian peacekeepers simply ask how many people are in the car, where the people are going, or if there are any weapons in the car.
Sometimes, they add a touch of humor to these questions, such as “Do you have weapons or cognac?” Or, “Do you have weapons or someone sleeping in the trunk?”
After passing through the checkpoints, you reach Stepanakert, where the presence of Russian peacekeepers is also visible. Cars with Russian license plates travel throughout the city with Russian flags on them. It is also possible to see Russian peacekeepers on the streets.
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There are lots of people on the streets of Stepanakert, and the city’s markets and stores are operating. Some of the damaged institutions are repairing the damages caused by the war in order to resume their work. Unlike during the war, the city is bright in the evening. The traffic lights are working, and people turn the lights on in their homes.
Work is also being done in the yards of damaged buildings. The residents of Stepanakert who have returned who have already received windows and other necessary materials are trying to repair their apartments.
The residents are saying, however, that work is being done very slowly. For example, the damaged roof of one of the buildings has not yet been repaired. And residents are concerned that this situation will also damage the apartments located on the higher floors in the winter.
They said that they received all the necessary materials, but that is sometimes not enough because they often find the need for additional materials. They try to get those materials using their own means so that their family members can join them soon.
Ami Chichakyan
