Pashinyan sharply criticizes Armenian defense minister over non-combat military deaths

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has sharply criticized Defense Minister Suren Papikyan amid a rise in non-combat deaths among military personnel, according to Armenian newspaper Hraparak, citing sources within ruling circles.

The report indicates that the head of government expressed deep dissatisfaction over peacetime military fatalities and growing public criticism directed at the Armed Forces. A tense exchange reportedly took place between Pashinyan and Papikyan.

According to the newspaper, the Prime Minister told the minister that in the absence of active warfare, maintaining high morale, discipline, and order within units should be the primary focus. Sources claim that Papikyan's potential resignation was discussed among top leadership, but Pashinyan decided to keep him in his position due to the lack of a suitable replacement. The report also alleges that the Ministry of Defense is withholding part of its military casualty statistics.