Wife of Missing Soldier Faces Home Loss with Young Daughter as Banks Demand Payments

24-year-old Mariam Baleyan never imagined that as she sent her husband off to war, she would soon be left alone with her 2.5-year-old daughter to deal with numerous challenges. Her husband, Vardan Adoayan, has been missing since October 21. Now, Mariam must set aside her grief to focus on repaying the loans on their home purchased with a mortgage in 2018.

“Vardan was considered missing 72 hours later. My husband hasn’t received a salary, nor does he get any now; there was only one instance of government support for the child,” Mariam told Factinfo.

The government claims that loans for deceased, missing, or injured citizens are being forgiven and compensations are being provided, but numerous reports are coming in that loans are not being waived. Mariam recounted that she continues to receive letters demanding loan payments. Ardshinbank has granted a moratorium until May, but unless there is a court decision by then declaring her husband missing, she must continue payments; otherwise, she risks losing her home.

VTB Bank is also insisting on payments, despite having submitted proof from the military unit. Interest continues to accumulate on every missed payment. However, Mariam cannot fulfill her financial obligations; she lacks funds and a job, and her husband is listed among the missing soldiers.

“We haven’t received money from the soldiers’ insurance fund. I need to gather documents, but Vardan is on the missing persons list. Ardshinbank is granting a moratorium until May. If there’s no court decision by then, I have to continue paying, or else the house won’t belong to me anymore. I’m also receiving letters from VTB, and the interest on the principal amount increases if not paid. I submitted documents from the military unit, but that wasn’t sufficient for them,” Mariam stated.

In addition to increasing interest on the hard-earned home, she faces the challenge of finding funds and dealing with paperwork. Mariam will have to manage the repayments of 3 million 700 thousand drams alone.

Beyond financial issues, Mariam is struggling with housing and employment. After a long fight, she managed to enroll her 2.5-year-old daughter in a kindergarten in Echmiadzin. After the trial period, when the little one adjusts to the new environment, Mariam will seek employment. The home that was supposed to bring joy to the young couple has turned into a struggle for survival. The roof of the home, purchased three years ago, has not been able to be repaired in any way. They applied to the municipality but have not received any support.