Groong Digest - Friday, Sep. 5, 2025
Daily Digest (some days)
Articles posted to the News Feed on Groong.org.
1. OPINION Princeton must retire the Atatürk Professorship
An op-ed in The Daily Princetonian urges retiring Princeton’s Atatürk Professorship, arguing the namesake’s anti-Armenian rhetoric and historical record make the honorific incompatible with the university’s values. It references prior naming removals (e.g., Woodrow Wilson), cites scholarship on Atatürk’s influence on fascist leaders, and recounts Armenian students’ activism around genocide recognition. The recommendation is to sunset the chair rather than leave the post indefinitely vacant. (dailyprincetonian.com )
2. Armenia and Azerbaijan: The Hard Road to a Lasting Peace
International Crisis Group says a completed Armenia–Azerbaijan peace text remains unsigned because Baku demands Yerevan amend its constitution first. It recommends signing now and ratifying later, paired with connectivity investments. The report details public skepticism after the 2023 Karabakh exodus, political risks of a referendum, and how reopening regional links could anchor economic integration and limit outside meddling. (crisisgroup.org )
3. Giorgio Armani Dies at 91 — Fashion Titan’s Secret Armenian Story Revealed
A remembrance recounts Giorgio Armani’s life and legacy alongside a widely-circulated “Armenian connection” motif in diaspora media. It surveys his brand-building, cultural resonance and private persona, while touching on anecdotal claims about family heritage. The broader takeaway is how towering cultural figures get woven into diasporic narratives during moments of mourning and collective memory. (dailysoapdish.com )
4. Kazakhstan Citizens to Visit Armenia with ID Cards
Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis ratified an agreement with Armenia abolishing mutual visa regimes and allowing travel using national ID cards. The policy streamlines mobility, is expected to boost tourism and business visits, and aligns with broader regional connectivity. Stays beyond 90 days will need temporary residence permits; registration rules are also specified under the accord. (astanatimes.com )
5. Russia expects bilateral trade with Armenia to halve in 2025
OC Media reports Russia expects Armenia–Russia trade to fall roughly by half in 2025 versus 2024. Officials and economists link the drop to fading re-export schemes—especially gold—alongside policy shifts. The recalibration has implications for Armenian logistics, suppliers, and macro forecasts after the previous surge driven by sanctions dynamics and currency effects. (oc-media.org )
6. Armenia-Pakistan and the SCO Summit
Minute Mirror (Pakistan) examines diplomatic openings after Yerevan and Baku advanced peace talks, noting Armenia–Pakistan ties starting amid SCO optics. It weighs third-party influences, prospects for cooperation in culture, education and economy, and longer-term constraints from historic grievances and alignments across a shifting regional landscape. (minutemirror.com.pk )
7. Samvel Karapetyan's movement is rapidly gaining momentum in Armenia — poll
EADaily highlights polling that shows rising support for a new political association around businessman Samvel Karapetyan, increasing identification of him as a political prisoner, and mixed ratings for others. While toplines are notable, methodology and framing will color interpretations as expectations form for protest activity and vote-intention shifts ahead of elections. (eadaily.com )
8. Work Begins on Giant Jesus Statue in Armenia
The European Conservative documents the start of construction on a monumental Jesus statue at Mount Hatis. Supporters frame it as a symbol of national revival and tourism potential; critics question priorities, scale, location, and heritage stewardship. Early site work and political reactions suggest the project is moving from concept toward visible construction. (europeanconservative.com )
9. Trump corridor plan in Armenia reportedly taking step forward
Eurasianet relays reports that a U.S. delegation may visit Yerevan to discuss specifics of TRIPP/“Trump Route” implementation under the Aug. 8 framework. Armenian outlets cite unnamed sources; Washington hasn’t confirmed. The piece situates rumored talks within recent DPM–Ambassador meetings and ongoing focus on unblocking communications and investment parameters. (eurasianet.org )
10. Sports: Portugal’s Ruben Dias refuses to underestimate Armenia threat
Before the Sept. 6 qualifier in Yerevan, Portugal defender Rúbén Dias says Armenia are well organized and dangerous in transition. He and coach Roberto Martínez stress respect for an opponent under new coach Yeghishe Melikyan, pointing to travel prep and mentality shifts after Nations League success. The preview emphasizes tactical caution. (fotmob.com )
11. Opinion: How Iran lost out in the Armenia and Azerbaijan peace deal
In The National, Richard Giragosian argues the U.S.-backed agreement and the TRIPP corridor sideline Iran’s North–South ambitions, deepen perceptions of encirclement, and may nudge Tehran back toward reliance on Russia despite limits shown in recent crises. He traces Abu Dhabi’s role, shifting East–West logistics, and Iranian recalibration. (thenationalnews.com )
12. Armenpress: Rubio says U.S. will 'blow up' foreign crime groups if needed
Citing BBC reporting, Senator Marco Rubio says the U.S. will dismantle transnational criminal organizations, including kinetic action abroad if necessary, and will list Ecuador’s major gangs as FTOs. The remarks are noted in Armenia amid broader law-enforcement cooperation narratives touching the region’s trafficking routes. (armenpress.am )
13. Trump to rebrand Pentagon as Department of War
Armenpress relays a Reuters-based brief that President Trump intends to sign an executive order renaming the Department of Defense the “Department of War,” authorizing use of traditional titles like “Secretary of War.” The item notes the rarity of department name changes and potential legal/administrative hurdles. (armenpress.am )
14. Biden undergoes skin cancer surgery
Armenpress summarizes NBC News that former President Joe Biden underwent Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer, with a favorable prognosis and routine follow-up. The brief underscores scrutiny of senior politicians’ health and party messaging dynamics during an intense U.S. political calendar. (armenpress.am )
15. PM Pashinyan presents Armenia’s vision for peace, innovative opportunities at Expo 2025 in Osaka
Coverage highlights Pashinyan’s peace-through-connectivity agenda and innovation-centric growth pitch during Armenia’s National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka. He ties reforms to partnerships, reiterates commitments to sovereignty and open borders, and spotlights the pavilion’s million-plus visitors as a soft-power win aimed at investment and tourism. (armenpress.am )
16. Over one million people visited Armenia's pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka - FM
Armenia’s foreign minister reports the EXPO 2025 Osaka pavilion has surpassed one million visitors. Officials tout soft-power dividends, investment leads, and cultural programming, positioning the turnout as validation of branding efforts and Japan-focused outreach to convert attention into trade and tourism. (armenpress.am )
17. Armenian parliament committee endorses ratification of CDRI charter
A parliamentary committee backed ratifying the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure charter. Supporters say CDRI can provide access to technical assistance and resilient design standards; skeptics raise cost-benefit and capacity questions. The measure now advances in the National Assembly. (armenpress.am )
18. Armenian Speaker of Parliament, Kyrgyz PM discuss ties
During an official visit to Kyrgyzstan, Speaker Alen Simonyan and PM Adylbek Kasymaliev discussed expanding political and economic cooperation across trade and tourism. The meeting framed untapped potential and intentions to develop concrete projects within parliamentary and government channels. (armenpress.am )
19. Over 16,000 forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh obtain Armenian citizenship
An Interior Ministry update states that over 16,000 forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh have obtained Armenian citizenship—11,259 by presidential decree and 5,000+ minors through parental status. Authorities plan further simplification of procedures as integration efforts continue. (armenpress.am )
20. Prosecutor-General Anna Vardapetyan to participate in IAP annual conference in Singapore
Armenia’s Prosecutor-General will attend the IAP’s 30th Annual Conference and General Meeting in Singapore, where an Executive Committee election is expected. It’s the first time an Armenian PG is nominated for the body. Meetings with European, Gulf and Latin American counterparts are planned. (armenpress.am )
21. Armenia can be a ‘dangerous’ opponent, says Portugal’s Dias ahead of Saturday clash
On the eve of the Yerevan qualifier, Rúbén Dias says Armenia pose a tricky, well-organized challenge; Roberto Martínez echoes respect and preparation. Notes on lineup, injuries and captaincy set expectations for a hard contest against a heavyweight in Group F. (armenpress.am )
22. ‘We have our plans,’ says Armenia manager ahead of Portugal face-off
Head coach Yeghishe Melikyan calls Portugal top-class but says Armenia has a plan. He flags an injury ruling out Styopa Mkrtchyan and says captaincy is TBD. The Sept. 6 opener in Yerevan begins Armenia’s World Cup qualifying against a deep, experienced opponent. (armenpress.am )
23. Armenian, Kazakh constitutional courts sign MoU
Armenia’s Constitutional Court and Kazakhstan’s counterpart signed an MoU to expand judicial cooperation, envisioning exchanges on constitutional justice, joint events and knowledge sharing—aligned with broader legal diplomacy among Eurasian institutions. (armenpress.am )
24. Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals - 05-09-2025
The Central Bank published daily FX rates and precious-metal quotations for Sept. 5, 2025, serving as references for banks, traders, customs valuations and jewelry-market compliance under hallmarking rules. (armenpress.am )
25. Over one million people visited Armenia's pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka - FM
A second Armenpress notice reiterates surpassing the million-visitor mark and outlines planned cultural showcases and investor outreach. The pavilion functions as a hub for soft-power engagement and sectoral lead generation. (armenpress.am )
26. Armenia, Azerbaijan discuss a range of issues to synchronize activities related to the implementation of the peace plans
A government readout says deputy prime minister–level discussions covered synchronization of infrastructure and communications projects linked to the Aug. 8 framework. The statement is terse on alignments and sequencing but frames talks as technical groundwork for implementation if political tracks advance. (gov.am )
27. National Assembly Council approves session agenda: 42 issues included
The NA Council approved the next session agenda with 42 items, spanning defense amendments, economic bills and ratifications. Debates will likely focus on training-assembly penalties, procurement oversight and international cooperation instruments. (armenpress.am )
28. Armenian Ambassador to Greece meets Mayor of Heraklion
On a working visit to Crete, Ambassador Tigran Mkrtchyan met the Heraklion mayor to discuss the Armenian community’s presence and review regional developments. They explored municipal cooperation opportunities and cultural initiatives. (armenpress.am )
29. Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference delegation to visit Armenia
A CPPCC delegation led by Su Hui will visit Armenia Sept. 17–19. Deputy Speaker Hakob Arshakyan is designated to receive the visitors. The trip underscores an active Armenia–China agenda spanning parliamentary ties and people-to-people contacts. (armenpress.am )
30. Armenpress: Armenian Security Chief, French Armed Forces official discuss regional and global security
Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan met in Paris with Alice Rufo (French MoD DGRIS) to discuss regional and global security and Armenia–France defense ties. The meeting, noted on Facebook, reflects stepped-up security dialogue amid shifting regional balances. (armenpress.am )
31. Verelq: Ադրբեջանը չի հրաժարվել Հայաստանի նկատմամբ զավթողական ծրագրերից
Former Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan argues Azerbaijan has not abandoned expansionist aims toward Armenia, citing the “Western Azerbaijan Community” as a state-instrumental project fostering racist hostility. He criticizes ruling-party narratives and online vitriol targeting those who speak out. (verelq.am )
32. Իշխանության համար սպառնալիք են բոլորը, ով չի համակերպվում ստեղծված իրողությունների հետ
Opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan marks the birthday of detained Artsakh MP Davit Galstyan, asserting that anyone who rejects imposed realities is a threat to current authorities. He frames Galstyan and others as political prisoners and calls for their release. (verelq.am )
33. Ալեն Սիմոնյանը Ղրղզստանում այցելել է Չինգիզ Այթմաթովի-տուն թանգարան
Armenia’s Speaker Alen Simonyan visited Kyrgyzstan’s Chingiz Aitmatov House-Museum, reflecting on the “mankurt” concept from the author’s work and its meaning for identity and memory. His post frames the stop as cultural homage and a reminder of historical lessons. There were no policy announcements; the visit was symbolic, underscoring soft-power cultural ties amidst a busy regional agenda. (verelq.am )
34. Ընտրություններում հաղթելու պայմանները. Վահե Հովհաննիսյան
Political analyst Vahe Hovhannisyan outlines “winning conditions” for the opposition: keep inter‑opposition civility, drop bombast, avoid overreliance on money, and craft a credible counter‑formula to the government’s peace narrative. He stresses post‑election social cohesion and institutional stability to deter vendettas and polarization as campaigning intensifies ahead of the next vote. (verelq.am )
35. ՔԿ-ն հանձնարարել է միջազգային հետախուզում հայտարարել Դավիթ Փափազյանի նկատմամբ. «Հետք»
Armenia’s Investigative Committee instructed that ex‑ANIF director Davit Papazyan be placed on an international wanted list, with detention chosen as a preventive measure. Prior cases target Papazyan and others for alleged forgery, large‑scale money laundering and abuse of powers. Investigators have not indicated whether former ANIF board chair Tigran Avinyan was questioned in the proceedings. (verelq.am )
36. Հայ դատի Ամերիկայի հանձնախումբը պաշտպանում է 2026 թ․ NDAA-ի հայանպաստ փոփոխությունները
The ANCA backs FY2026 U.S. NDAA amendments to strengthen Armenia’s security, halt U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan, secure the release of Armenian prisoners, protect cultural heritage, and limit certain Turkish arms transfers. A related Adam Schiff amendment targets sham trials of Armenian captives and invokes Global Magnitsky sanctions, seeking outcomes absent from current peace frameworks. (verelq.am )
37. Խաղաղությունը պայմանավորված է ոչ թե թղթերով, այլ ուժերի իրական հաշվեկշռով. ՀայաՔվե
The HayaQve initiative argues peace stems from real power balances, not signatures. It criticizes narratives implying that renouncing Artsakh is the price of “peace,” noting Armenians long bore costs to defend identity. Framing recent “peace talk” as electioneering, it urges a strategy that shifts the balance on the ground instead of relying on formal declarations. (verelq.am )
38. Խստացվում է հիվանդության սիմուլյացիայի միջոցով հավաքներից խուսափելու պատասխանատվությունը
A Defense Ministry‑backed bill clarifies what constitutes evasion of training assemblies and increases penalties when evasion involves self‑harm, simulated illness, document forgery or deception. The measure envisages fines, short‑term detention, or 1–3 years’ imprisonment; Military Police would also support draft offices in locating absentees. The package passed committee and heads to plenary. (verelq.am )
39. Հանդիպում-քննարկում ոսկու շուկաների կազմակերպիչների և արտադրողների հետ
Market regulators met gold market organizers and producers to discuss pending changes to the “Precious Metals” law, including mandatory hallmark and name marking on items. Officials agreed on ongoing cooperation with the sector to ensure compliance and market order as rules tighten ahead of implementation. (verelq.am )
40. Քաղաքացին Էջմիածնի ռեստորաններից մեկի հետնամասում զենք-զինամթերք է թողել
A caller told authorities he left weapons and ammunition behind a restaurant in Ejmiatsin. Police say a search found two assault rifles, a handgun, TNT, hundreds of rounds, grenades and magazines. Law enforcement again urged voluntary surrender of illegal arms to avoid criminal liability as the amnesty framework remains in effect. (verelq.am )
41. ԱՄՆ մաքսային և սահմանային պարեկային թիմն այցելե՞լ է Հայաստան․ ՀՀ ԱԳՆ-ի պարզաբանումը
Responding to queries about a U.S. Customs and Border Protection team’s possible Armenia visit, the MFA cited ongoing cooperation under the EXBS program, with regular expert exchanges and capacity‑building linked to the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative. No official statement confirms a specific CBP team visit to date. (verelq.am )
42. Օգոստոսի 8-ի հռչակագրերը… ֆորմալիզացում (Վարդան Օսկանյան)
Ex‑FM Vartan Oskanian contends the August 8 agreements legalize Armenian losses, leave sovereignty and security unresolved, and risk ceding corridor control to Azerbaijan. He argues the deals fail to ensure deterrence or stability and rest on questionable geopolitical assumptions, thus formalizing the status quo rather than anchoring lasting peace. (verelq.am )
43. Ո՞վ ով է և ի՞նչ կապիտալով է գնում ընտրության
A pre‑election scan of Armenia’s political field surveys parties’ “capital” (resources, credibility, organization) entering the upcoming vote. The analysis weighs shifting alignments, leader favorability, and voter expectations against campaign discipline and the broader security narrative shaping choices at the ballot box. (verelq.am )
44. Asbarez: Latest Gallup Poll: About 60% Against ‘Trump Route’
A Gallup International Armenia phone poll (Aug 25–30; n=1,101) finds about 60% of respondents oppose the proposed “Trump Route” road through Syunik, while views are mixed on whether the Washington agreement will bring peace. The report also notes debate over constitutional changes under Azerbaijani pressure and questions about longer‑term sovereignty impacts. (asbarez.com )
45. Senior Defense Official Says He Does Not Know Whether Military Budget Will Decrease
Deputy Defense Minister Hrachya Sargsyan said he doesn’t yet know if defense outlays will fall in 2026, after signals of no increase. He pledged continuity of planned work; the 2025 defense budget is 665b drams. Asked about Baku’s buildup, he noted Azerbaijan’s military budget dwarfs Armenia’s entire state budget, highlighting capacity constraints. (asbarez.com )
46. Bipartisan Budget Amendments Seek Release of Armenian Prisoners, Azerbaijan Sanctions
ANCA supports FY2026 NDAA amendments in both chambers to condition or block aid to Azerbaijan, require certification of respect for Armenia’s sovereignty, restrict certain U.S. arms transfers to Turkey, and prioritize the freeing of Armenian detainees with return rights for displaced Artsakh Armenians, aiming to harden safeguards around the peace process. (asbarez.com )
47. Fresno State to Host Screening of ‘There Was, There Was Not’
Fresno State’s Armenian Studies Program and CineCulture will screen Emily Mkrtichian’s award‑winning documentary on Sept. 19, with the director in attendance. The film follows four women in Artsakh navigating life between wars and the idea of home. The event is free and open to the public, with a discussion to follow. (asbarez.com )
48. ‘Saroyan Days’: Weeklong Celebration in Armenia to Spotlight Author’s Work
The William Saroyan Foundation, with partners including U.S. Embassy Yerevan and Armenia’s Culture Ministry, launches “Saroyan Days” (Sept 5–11) in Yerevan, unveiling 22 unpublished stories and 100 never‑seen paintings. The program spans exhibitions, theater, film and readings, aiming to reintroduce Saroyan’s optimism to new audiences across Armenia. (asbarez.com )
49. AW: 2025: The year of Sev Ohanian
Armenian Weekly interviews producer‑writer Sev Ohanian about blockbuster “Sinners,” career milestones from “Searching” to Marvel projects, and cultural roots. He discusses creative process, influences, and recognition by the Armenian Film Society, reflecting on authenticity from early “My Big Fat Armenian Family” sketches to large‑scale studio work in 2025. (armenianweekly.com )
50. ANCA backs FY26 NDAA amendments… holding Azerbaijan accountable
Armenian Weekly’s policy brief mirrors the NDAA push: block or condition aid to Azerbaijan, strengthen Armenia’s security posture, codify release of prisoners and troop withdrawal, and constrain future Section 907 waivers absent concrete Azerbaijani steps. Related items address reporting on Turkish operations and broader accountability mechanisms. (armenianweekly.com )
51. AW: The Region in Brief
A weekly digest highlights demolition of Artsakh’s MFA building in occupied Stepanakert, a new “Call of Artsakh” memorial in Yerevan, Iran’s parliament opposing the “Zangezur Corridor,” and Russian deputy Konstantin Zatulin’s view of widening Baku‑Moscow divergences amid pan‑Turkic ambitions and shifting alignments. (armenianweekly.com )
52. Հայաստանի վրա որևէ պարտավորություն չկա Ադրբեջանի համար միջանցք տրամադրելու… (Վիտալի Մանգասարյան)
Analyst Vitali Mangasaryan argues Armenia has no obligation to grant a corridor to Azerbaijan; future developments hinge on multiple factors, including Russia–Azerbaijan tensions, Moscow’s bandwidth given Ukraine, and Armenia’s evolving rhetoric on Russia. He questions talk of cutting defense spending amid regional risks and unsettled border issues. (168.am )
53. Հարցվածների 71,5 տոկոսը Սամվել Կարապետյանին համարում է քաղբանտարկյալ…
Gallup International Armenia’s August polling finds 62% say Armenia has political prisoners; 71.5% specifically consider Samvel Karapetyan a political prisoner. Views of the government’s handling of his detention are largely negative (64.4% negative in August vs. 77.1% previously). The data underscore sustained public skepticism toward the case. (168.am )
54. Սրբազանների կալանքի ժամկետի երկարացմանը… 56.8% բացասական
In the same polling, 56.8% view the extension of detention for Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan and Bishop Bagrat as negative; 25% view it positively; and 18.1% are undecided. The results signal growing concerns about church–state tensions and the legal handling of clergy cases in the current political climate. (168.am )
55. Հարցվածների 47,6% բացասական է գնահատել վաշինգտոնյան հռչակագիրը…
Gallup data show 47.6% negatively assess the Aug. 8 Washington declaration; around 59% oppose providing a road through Syunik; and over 80% oppose constitutional changes demanded by Azerbaijan. The results reflect public skepticism about the agreement’s peace prospects and wariness of perceived concessions. (168.am )
56. ՀՀ-ում Արցախի ներկայացուցչության շենքի վերաբերյալ դատական նիստը… 2026-ին
Following dual legal tracks over the Artsakh Representation building in Yerevan, attorney Roman Yeritsyan says a hearing has been scheduled for 2026. One case targets registry actions; another challenges a donation contract. The disputes highlight lingering legal and property issues after the displacement from Artsakh. (168.am )
57. Ինչո՞ւ է ՌԴ փոխվարչապետը… կրկնակի նվազում կանխատեսում
Russian Deputy PM Alexei Overchuk projects Armenia–Russia trade could fall to about $6B in 2025 (from $12.4B in 2024), while hailing strong Russia–Azerbaijan ties. He voiced cautious optimism over the Aug. 8 Washington developments and raised concern for 13 Russians held in Azerbaijan amid tense bilateral optics. (168.am )
58. Չարիքը հանձնելու է Սյունիքը որպես միջանցք… Բագրատ Սրբազան
From detention, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan denounces a process he says will hand Syunik over as a corridor under glossy packaging. He frames U.S. messaging and timelines around Washington and Abu Dhabi as pre‑planned and warns against “self‑delusion” about initialing versus signing in the current process. (168.am )
59. Ձևավորելու ենք արտախորհրդարանական միասնական ճակատ. Նարեկ Մալյան
Activist Narek Malyan urges a united extra‑parliamentary front to pressure opposition MPs into pursuing impeachment of the Prime Minister during the coming National Assembly session. He argues binary political clarity (“with/against”) will create public pressure and spur negotiations within the ruling party’s ranks. (168.am )
60. Խաղաղության խաչմերուկը վերածվում է միակողմանի անցումային գծի… Շիրազ Խաչատրյան
Expert Shiraz Khachatryan argues the “Crossroads of Peace” is morphing into a one‑way transit scheme benefiting others, pointing to talk of the Kars–Igdir–Aralik–Dilucu rail while silence surrounds Gyumri–Akhuryan. He notes China–SCO optics, Ankara’s alignment remarks, and hints of a U.S. team arriving about the “Trump Route.” (168.am )
61. «Ինչքան էլ Փաշինյան Նիկոլը գոռա՝ խաղաղություն…». Նալչաջյան
Psychologist Karine Nalchajyan says the public does not believe in a “fake peace” narrative; if “peace” brings new devastation, believing it is akin to “suicide.” She also comments on images of Nikol Pashinyan’s spouse with Turkish and Azerbaijani first ladies in China, fueling debate over optics versus substance. (168.am )
62. RFE/RL - Armenian, Azeri Officials Meet On Border
Deputy PM‑led delegations held mutual visits at undisclosed border locations to discuss delimitation and synchronization of infrastructure and communications tied to the Aug. 8 agreements. Questions persist over whether the visit included the proposed Syunik transit corridor site and over the modalities of the TRIPP route. (azatutyun.am )
63. International Arrest Warrant For Former Head Of Armenian State Fund
Armenia issued an international warrant for ex‑ANIF head Davit Papazian amid a corruption probe into the now‑liquidated fund. The report details alleged losses, related indictments, and political reverberations involving Yerevan’s mayor, alongside separate controversy around a Gaza humanitarian body where Papazian reportedly served on the board. (azatutyun.am )
64. RFE/RL - Senior Official ‘Unaware’ Of Armenian Defense Spending In 2026
Deputy Defense Minister Hrachya Sargsyan said he is currently unaware of the 2026 defense figure pending the draft budget, after leadership signals of no further increases. He insisted capability will not be undermined and noted continuity with 2024–25 planning; Armenia’s 2025 defense is about 665b drams. (azatutyun.am )