Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan appealed to the people:

“Dear compatriots!

Today, at this crucial historical moment, when Turkish-Azerbaijani and terrorist gangs attacked Artsakh with all their military resources, aiming to exterminate or expel the Artsakh Armenians living in their homeland for thousands of years, we are fighting to the death in unequal conditions in all respects.

Now they are threatening our homeland and existence not only along the entire front line, but also investing serious military resources in the direction of Shushi, aiming to take possession of the proud Armenian fortress city at all costs.

Shushi is not just a city, it is a symbol of the determination of the Armenian people to live in their own cradle, a symbol of the victories of the Armenian people. Shushi is the beating heart of all Armenians.

As the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Artsakh, I once again call on you to unite and defend our Shushi, our Artsakh, our national dignity.”