Ex-defense minister says Samvel Karapetyan provided support to Armenian army at 2020 war

Former Armenian Defense Minister David Tonoyan said on Monday that businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan provided substantial and multifaceted support to the Armenian Armed Forces during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.

Speaking to reporters, Tonoyan described Karapetyan’s assistance as “significant and diverse,” adding that the support was highly beneficial to the military during the 44-day conflict.

“That support was multifaceted and substantial. It can be assessed as quite useful,” Tonoyan said.

The former defense minister noted that Karapetyan had supported the armed forces before 2018 and expressed hope that the philanthropist continues to assist the military today.

When asked to provide details about the nature of the assistance, Tonoyan declined, citing security concerns and confidentiality requirements.

“I have always exercised restraint regarding sensitive issues related to the defense system and military operations,” he said. “Information concerning support provided to the armed forces is sensitive and may contain either state or official secrets. Therefore, I will not violate that principle.”

Tonoyan added that any assistance to the armed forces deserves recognition, particularly during the 2020 war, when individuals and organizations contributed to Armenia’s defense efforts.

Karapetyan is the prime ministerial candidate of the Strong Armenia party.