The Armenian Ministry of Defense may call up reservists who are returning from Russia
Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan stated that Armenian citizens arriving from Russia or other countries may receive summonses to participate in a 25-day reserve training camp.
Papikyan made this statement on June 4 during a conversation with journalists, commenting on reports regarding the possible inclusion of Armenian citizens living abroad in the training.
The head of the Defense Ministry emphasized that legal requirements apply to all Armenian citizens regardless of their country of residence.
“So, do military personnel who have arrived from Russia have no obligations to their homeland? Of course, I cannot rule that out,” Papikyan stated.
At the same time, he clarified that this applies not only to citizens returning from Russia.
“This also applies to Armenian citizens who have arrived from France, the United States, and all other countries,” the minister explained.
According to him, this does not mean that everyone, without exception, will be sent to the training camp.
“I’m not saying that everyone is being sent to the assembly,” Papikyan added.
Earlier, media reports indicated that Armenian citizens permanently residing in Russia who plan to return to their homeland to participate in the parliamentary elections on June 7 may be sent to mandatory 25-day reserve training.
It was reported that such speculation arose amid rumors of the alleged possible arrival in Armenia of a large number of citizens residing in Russia to participate in the voting and influence the election results.
Officially, the Armenian authorities have not confirmed the existence of any special measures regarding citizens arriving specifically from Russia, emphasizing that the rules for military registration and reserve training are the same for all citizens of the country.
Earlier, Armenia stated that it does not support Russia in the war against Ukraine, does not participate in its actions as an ally, and continues to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, while maintaining its own foreign policy stance focused on international agreements and peace processes.
