On May 9, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union and Western Allies’ victory in World War II was being celebrated, emphasizing that the war was caused by Nazi ideology and that many nations united to defeat it.

In his address on Victory and Peace Day, Armenia’s third President Serzh Sargsyan declared that, although the traditional “triple holiday”—encompassing the taking military control over Shusha and the establishment of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army—had been lost due to the current government’s policies, past victories still called the nation to “reclaim its honor.” He stressed the historic sacrifices of Armenians and their ongoing struggle against modern neo-fascism.

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, in his Victory Day message, highlighted the significance of faith, resilience, and unity throughout Armenian history, noting the participation of Armenians in World War II and the Karabakh wars. He called for continued courage and national solidarity in the face of current adversities.

After prayers at the Eternal Flame on May 9, Karekin II urged national resilience and unity in confronting the challenges facing Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, praying for divine strength for the Armenian people.

Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, in his congratulatory message, paid tribute to those who died fighting fascism, underscoring Armenia’s invaluable role in the victory and warning that ongoing global threats to peace make the lessons of the Great Patriotic War increasingly relevant.

Speaking to journalists in Victory Park on May 9, Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan stated that, for him, May 9 was not a triple holiday and declined to elaborate further, clarifying that paying tribute to victims and observing a holiday are distinct matters.

Commenting on Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Grigoryan announced that negotiations were continuing in a bilateral format without the need for Russian mediation. When asked about Turkey’s role, he questioned where Russia’s position would stand, indicating that such matters would be addressed when clarified.

Grigoryan also confirmed that Armenia and Azerbaijan exchanged information on ceasefire violations through diplomatic channels. Upon investigation, Armenia found no such incidents on its side and expected further clarifications from Azerbaijan.

In response to a journalist’s question about the likelihood of hybrid warfare, Grigoryan remarked that such discussions have persisted since 2018. When asked about a potential meeting between Pashinyan and Putin, he deferred to official press services for any announcements.

Robert Kocharyan, Armenia’s second President, issued a message congratulating citizens on Victory and Peace Day, expressing hope that the lessons of history would strengthen the nation to build a more robust and peaceful Armenia.

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan, speaking on May 9, identified the day solely as the Victory Day of the Great Patriotic War. When asked why the liberation of Shusha was no longer officially commemorated, he replied that the reasons were “obvious.”

Safaryan reiterated Armenia’s commitment to a peace agenda despite Azerbaijani provocations, ruling out any discussion of a corridor and clarifying Armenia’s consistent stance on unblocking regional communications without compromising sovereignty.

Avetik Chalabyan, co-founder of the “Hayakve” national civil association, expressed confidence that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan would eventually face justice for alleged crimes committed in office, describing the current government’s actions as signs of growing panic. He urged citizens to focus on celebrating the triple holiday and honoring past national victories.