The May 9 commemoration has called into question the preservation of the memory of the historical events of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The former leaders of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic have not had de facto control over the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh since the fall of 2023. Following the mass exodus of Nagorno-Karabakh residents to Armenia, the president of the unrecognized republic signed a decree terminating its existence. Civil servants were dismissed, but senior officials continued to work in Yerevan. Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II sent a message on the occasion of Victory and Peace Day, emphasizing the significance of May 9 and the role of the Armenian people in the fight against fascism and in the heroic battles of Artsakh. He offered a prayer for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes and asked for the intercession of the Almighty for the security of the homeland and the unity of the people. "Today, when Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) is occupied and subjected to ethnic cleansing, we are obligated to continue to consistently defend the rights of the Armenians of Artsakh, deprived of their homeland," the Catholicos emphasized.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his social media page that "today is Victory Day for the Soviet Union and its Western allies in World War II, which is celebrated in our country as Victory and Peace Day," adding that "we celebrate May 9, 2026, in the conditions of peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan." Pashinyan's address, however, makes no mention of the city of Shushi.

Residents of Armenia and refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh interviewed by a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent spoke about the significance of May 9.

"We cannot allow our history to turn into silence," said Nagorno-Karabakh parliament member Metekseh Hakobyan. "Shushi is a symbol of the victory of the Armenian people. May 9 is not only about a military victory. It is proof of the will of the Armenian people, their dignity, and their readiness to stand for the Motherland to the end. Our Homeland was liberated thanks to faith, dedication, and unity. "Today, our task is the same: the liberation of Artsakh, not to accept loss, not to get used to defeat, not to accept a criminal and Armenophobic government, and not to allow our history to turn into silence," she stated.

For every true Armenian, "May 9th remains a day of triple victories," said Avetik Chalabyan, coordinator of the "Hayakve (Armenian Voice)" civil legislative initiative. "34 years ago, on this day, the Armenian fortress city of Shushi, which was of vital strategic importance, was liberated. This was one of the most glorious victories of Armenian arms in the last century, and it will forever be inscribed in golden letters in our history. Unfortunately, the "vagrants" who came to power in our country, deprived of their homeland, squandered this glorious victory and handed Shushi to the enemy on a platter, justifying it with a false and false justification for ending the war. I am confident that one day, through our resistance, hard work, and unity, we will once again be worthy of this honor. Until then, we will forever glorify those brave Armenian fighters whose heroic deeds in 1992 saved Armenian Artsakh from the blockade and brought the joy of victory to our entire people,” Chalabyan noted.

“34 years ago, trapped in a long, brutal blockade, Armenians managed to endure hunger and pain, and then, thanks to their God-given willpower and spirit, liberate Shushi. And just 28 years later, when Armenians were free and protected both on the front lines and in the rear, Shushi was surrendered. There are no questions left about how Shushi was liberated 34 years ago. But how the ancient Armenian fortress city fell six years ago remains unclear, with more than one unknown. "I am confident that sooner or later an answer to this unclear question will also be given," said military analyst Senor Hasratyan.

"The month of May in Armenian history has been and remains a witness to our glorious victories," said Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Armen Charchyan.

"108 years ago, the victory in the Battle of Sardarapat left an indelible mark on our destiny. The Armenian people were effectively saved from the Turkish genocide, and the foundation for the restoration of Armenian statehood was laid. 81 years ago, in the victory over fascism, Armenians, from private soldiers to marshals, immortally inscribed their names in the unfading glory of valiant warriors. 34 years ago, the Armenian fortress city of Shushi was liberated. "The liberation of Shushi is history that cannot be erased," he said, adding that "these are glorious pages of history; we must remember them, value them, and never renounce them."

"The operation to liberate Shushi in May 1992 became one of the key pages of the first Karabakh war and a symbol of national unity and courage," said public and political figure Nairi Okhikyan.

"For many years, the liberation of Shushi was perceived as a source of particular national pride, allowing Armenians to walk with their heads held high. Today, society speaks less and less publicly about Artsakh and the events related to the liberation of Shushi. Despite the current situation, the memory of Shushi and Artsakh must be preserved, and the people must not abandon their history and national values. "Armenians will once again be able to achieve victory and maintain a spiritual connection with Artsakh," said Okhikyan.

"More than one generation of Armenians was raised on the example of victorious battles, as symbols of the struggle for freedom, faith, and the right to live on their own land," said Artur Altunyan, a native of Nagorno-Karabakh's Hadrut region.

"The liberation of Shushi was also one of these important events. It demonstrated the strength of unity and resilience of the Armenian people, who, despite difficulties and losses, always found the strength to continue the struggle and rethink their future. "The memory of such victories is important not only as a part of history, but also as a reminder of the value of unity and loyalty to one's homeland," Altunyan said.

* Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) is banned in Russia.