Armenia defense minister says army focused on harsh winter weather

Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has said there are no current concerns about tensions along the country’s borders, insisting the situation remains calm as the armed forces prepare for the New Year.

Speaking to reporters in the parliament on Monday, Papikyan said he did not believe there was any reason to worry about instability at the frontier, adding that conditions were “very calm”.

He noted that while security is naturally heightened during the holiday period, the military’s main challenges at present are linked to harsh weather, including strong winds and blizzards.

According to the minister, the Armenian armed forces maintain positions at elevations of up to 3,500 meters, where snow often remains until summer and can begin accumulating as early as October.

He highlighted efforts to ensure that access roads to military positions remain open throughout the winter, describing it as a daily operational priority for the army.