U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance announced at Zvartnots Airport that he will raise the issue of Armenian captives during his meetings in Azerbaijan, according to Armenpress.

“That will absolutely be discussed. We have very strong relationships both here, with the Prime Minister of Armenia, and with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. In fact, I heard the Prime Minister’s speech yesterday; he expressed optimism regarding the peace agreement, considering where things stand now compared to just a few months ago. That’s why we’ll raise a number of issues, including this one, but I believe we’ll continue working productively and successfully with both Azerbaijanis and Armenians,” he stated.

Azerbaijan continues to hold 19 Armenian captives, including members of Artsakh’s former political and military leadership. Apart from former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, Azerbaijani courts have issued unsubstantiated verdicts against the others, ranging from life sentences to 15 years in prison.