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Armenia’s Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has said that recent deaths in the military, including cases of suicide and homicide, are a systemic challenge and that he should not be blamed for them.
Papikyan was asked at a press briefing why deaths resulting from homicide and suicide have become more frequent in the military recently.
“I cannot assess what the reason is for such a concentration of cases within this short period of time. But the idea that the defense minister can be blamed for deaths is something new in Armenia. Why? Of course, I have always been far from the idea that we should look at this issue in terms of statistics, but life and the history of the army in general also imply certain statistics. Throughout the entire history of the Armenian Army, there have always been cases of suicide, homicide and non-statutory relations [code of conduct violations]. They have increased and decreased. For example, in 2025, as a result of our work, that number reached a minimum of two,” the minister elaborated.
Minister Suren Papikyan also presented statistics on the number of cases of suicide, homicide and incitement to suicide recorded in the army annually from 2015 to 2026.
“In 2015, the number of cases was seven, but in 2016, that number immediately rose to 19. During this period, the same defense minister and the same Chief of the General Staff were in office. In 2017, the number was 13; in 2018, 12; in 2019, 11; in 2020, 10; in 2021, 10; in 2022, eight; in 2023, nine; in 2024, 11; in 2025, two; and in 2026, eight.
These statistics show that the numbers have both increased and decreased over the past decade. These cases have different causes. Of course, some are the result of non-statutory relations, while some are the result of a criminal subculture, not only today but also yesterday. This is a challenge that is not mine alone. Regardless of whether I or someone else is the defense minister, this requires a systemic approach. I should not shy away from hearing that you are raising a particular problem; we need to follow up on that problem, both you and me,” the minister said.