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Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan last night. The sides discussed the escalation of tensions on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday, according to TASS.

"There was a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister [Nikol] Pashinyan last night to discuss the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the serious escalation that has taken place there," the Kremlin spokesman said.

"In the context of the conversation that took place now there is intensive work at the expert level. I will not say more for now, we will inform you as we receive the results of this work," he added.

Overall, according to Peskov, "it is difficult to overestimate the role of the Russian Federation, the role of Putin personally" in resolving the situation. "Naturally, the president is making every effort to help de-escalate tensions on the border, these efforts are continuing," the spokesman said.

Azerbaijani forces began intense shelling of Armenian border positions near Vardenis, Sotk, Artanish, Ishkhanasar, Goris and Kapan at around midnight, using combat drones, artillery and large-caliber firearms.

Towns and villages in Armenia’s Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces came under Azerbaijani shelling. An Armenian ambulance was reportedly hit on the Kapan-Chakaten highway.

49 Armenian soldiers were confirmed dead in the nighttime attacks by Azerbaijan.

Three civilians were also injured in the Azerbaijani shelling, the Health Ministry reports, adding one of them is in severe condition.