Russia is standing by its position that the involvement of mercenaries in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is unacceptable, the country's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told reporters on Monday, October 19.

According to him, Russia is discussing with Turkey the issue of the participation of mercenaries from Syria and Libya in Karabakh battles, RIA Novosti reports.

“Yes, we are discussing all the issues,” Bogdanov confirmed when asked about the question.

According to a source familiar with the matter, more than 1000 militants from Syria have already been sent to Karabakh, and another batch of militants will be deployed in the coming days.

Armenia was the first to report on Turkey's deployment of thousands of Syrian fighters to Azerbaijan on September 28. International media publications followed suit, as did reactions from France, Russia Iran and Syria.

Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey and Syrian and Libyan mercenaries deployed by Ankara, started a war against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. Foreign and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages.

Donations can be made to Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, which has launched a fundraising campaign to support humanitarian efforts in Karabakh.