Fighting erupts in Nagorno-Karabakh, dozens of casualties reported

[Lizardo]

This speculation may be considered plausible if it was Azerbaijan who started the shooting. But the reports on the starter are contradictory with either side blaming the opposite. If it was Armenia we might as well speculate on Putin trying to increase his local influence and offset that of Turkey after he got Syria off his hands (if he even did).

Well they might have shot first but did you note the offensive Azerbaijan had undertaken to capture those towns and Hills, not a normal Caucasus border clash to me. Also in the previous months Azerbaijan had been threatening to retake the nagorno karabakh. Attack Helicopters were involved and Armenian shot down one.

I may be mistaken, but I think the international community recognizes the borders of the ex-Soviet states if they coincide with their administrative borders within the USSR. Thus Transdnistria, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Crimea and Donbas are not recognized (either as separate states or as having changed hands). Before the collapse of the USSR Nagorny Karabakh was an autonomous region within Azerbaijan as well as Nakhichevan (which had a higher status as an autonomous republic). That is why (I assume) both are internationally considered parts of Azerbaijan now.

Yes however Nagorno Karabakh is predominately ethnically armenian, and to prevent more ethnic bloodshed Armenia invaded and secured the territory. I believe this may lead to Russian involvement embroiling them in yet another conflict they can or can not afford or stomach, This depends on the further escalation. And I believe this could be a premeditated instigation by NATO, Turkey and Azerbaijan knowing that Russia is preoccupied with Syria and Ukraine this would be a great opportunity to strike as Russia will be hesitant.