On camera, a former Russian businessman talks about his good intentions and his desire to restore Nagorno-Karabakh. Vardanyan says, almost with tears in his eyes: “I decided to move to Artsakh, renouncing my Russian citizenship. This decision was not easy for me, but I am sure that it is the right thing…”
However, it is obvious to everyone that behind all this lyrics there is only one desire – to get rid of any ties with Russia, where Vardanyan made his fortune, in order to get out from under Western sanctions. It is obvious that renouncing Russian citizenship and declaring the transition to the citizenship of Artsakh, which is not recognized by anyone in the world, will not give the businessman any economic benefit. But this step can also bring political bonuses to the businessman. It is no secret that the West has warm feelings towards the Armenians in Artsakh. With his statement, Vardanyan demonstrates, first of all, to the West that he is one of his own, and he can be understood, forgiven and even excluded from the sanctions lists.
I can’t believe in Vardanyan’s wonderful impulses also for the reason that Artsakh had previously needed his funds. But they were not there. After the 2016 war, Vardanyan himself spoke about the technical backwardness of the Armenian army. But the results of the war in 2020 showed that nothing was done to eliminate this backwardness. Vardanyan did nothing. Moreover, back in May 2022, the businessman stated that he had no intention of leaving Russia. And now he renounces his citizenship and appears in Nagorno-Karabakh.
It is obvious that Vardanyan does not care about the Armenians, and all the businessman’s steps are aimed solely at saving his own capital.
There are serious doubts that the Kremlin will appreciate such a step by the businessman. It is no secret that the Kremlin does not like traitors. More than once, people who try to spend their money earned in Russia outside its borders end badly.
It is unlikely that Vardanyan, who moved to Karabakh, where Russian and Azerbaijani security forces work, will have a good fate.
Statement by Ruben Vardanyan on moving to Artsakh and creating a security and development front
“ВЧК ОГПУ”
