Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan released a statement on May 9, Victory and Peace Day, saying that Armenians made a significant contribution to the fight against fascism during World War II and stressing the importance of condemning fascism in all its manifestations.
In his message, Pashinyan stated that Armenia is celebrating May 9, 2026, under conditions of peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He noted that for the past two years, there have been neither casualties nor injuries resulting from Armenia-Azerbaijan gunfire.
Below is the full statement published by the Prime Minister’s Office.
“Dear people, dear citizens of the Republic of Armenia,
Today marks the Day of Victory of the Soviet Union and the Western Allies in World War II, which is celebrated in our country as Victory and Peace Day.
In World War II, civilized humanity said no to fascism. The Armenian people made a significant contribution to this struggle, with more than half a million Armenians fighting against fascism in the Soviet and Western Allied armies, as well as in underground resistance groups. That struggle and contribution have been highly appreciated in many countries.
We are celebrating the 81st anniversary of the victory over fascism under difficult international conditions. We are obliged not to forget the disasters fascism brought upon humanity and to condemn this phenomenon in all its manifestations.
Today we bow our heads before all the martyrs who gave their lives to save humanity from fascism. We also pay tribute to all the countries and peoples who fought against fascism.
Dear people, dear citizens of the Republic of Armenia,
We celebrate May 9, 2026, under the conditions of peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan. For two years now, there have been neither casualties nor injuries resulting from Armenia-Azerbaijan gunfire. Our border settlements live in an environment free from shootings. This is the most important achievement our country has recorded for the first time since independence.
Our task today is to properly safeguard the peace we have achieved and make it stronger and more reliable every day. The established peace is a historic opportunity for our country to reach an unprecedented level of security, prosperity and development.
Today we are confidently moving along that path, and a developed, free, secure, prosperous and democratic Republic of Armenia is the greatest tribute to the memory of all the martyrs of our people throughout history, as well as the service we must provide to our citizens and future generations.
We will pay that tribute, we will provide that service.
Glory to the martyrs, and long live the Republic of Armenia.”
