Ruben Vardanyan Decides to Renounce Russian Citizenship and Relocate to Artsakh: Statement

Ruben Vardanyan has announced his decision to relocate to Artsakh and establish a front for the security and development of Artsakh, according to a statement from the public relations department of the 'IDeA' foundation.

He has called upon the Armenian community worldwide to unite in the fight for Artsakh, as he considers Artsakh to be the "roots and foundation of the Armenian people." Vardanyan stated, "For us Armenians, we have reached the existential moment of Sardarapat. We do not feel it, just as we do not feel radiation. But if we do not stand shoulder to shoulder, we will lose what is our stronghold."

He also noted that he has renounced his Russian citizenship to come to Artsakh as a citizen of Armenia, stating, "because it is the right thing to do." Additionally, Vardanyan appealed to Azerbaijan to cease its aggressive stance, saying, "We will not allow you to gradually push Armenians out of here. It is impossible."

Vardanyan expressed gratitude to the Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh: "I believe that their mandate should be strengthened for as long as we are not fully ready to ensure the security of the people of Artsakh ourselves," he added.

He also drew the attention of the global community to the unacceptability of ethnic cleansing in the 21st century.

Vardanyan's September 1 video address was filmed in Artsakh, near one of the world's oldest trees, the over 2000-year-old Tnjri tree, which he described as a symbol of life, stating, "Despite all the storms, life continues if there are roots holding the tree. Artsakh is the root and foundation of the entire Armenian nation."

In his message, he emphasized, "Today, the people of Artsakh are experiencing a severe psychological crisis, lacking confidence in tomorrow. The people of Artsakh, who have lost their loved ones in two wars and fought for independence, feel abandoned and forgotten. I believe that after the 2020 war, we Armenians all over the world have a duty to stand with the people of Artsakh. We must not only support them symbolically but also help them practically. This is the center of the Armenian nation, which has always been a place of real strength for us, and we cannot allow everything our ancestors have created over thousands of years to be forgotten. That is why I have decided to renounce my Russian citizenship and move to Artsakh. This decision was not easy for me, but I am confident that it is the right one. I hope my Russian colleagues and friends will understand this decision as that of a friend.

I want to address Russia: I am grateful that Russia is currently present in Artsakh, and its peacekeepers are protecting the security of the people of Artsakh. I believe that the mandate of the peacekeepers should be strengthened as long as we are not yet fully ready to ensure the security of the people of Artsakh ourselves.

I want to address our neighbors, who often use very aggressive rhetoric. I want to tell them to stop tightening the screws. This is a dangerous and short-sighted path, and the force being applied will one day boomerang back. You must understand that we Armenians will not allow ethnic cleansing to take place in Artsakh. We will not allow you to gradually displace Armenians from here. It is impossible, as this is the historical homeland of the Armenian people; it is the cradle of Armenian identity. Here, Mesrop Mashtots established his first school where children learned the Armenian letters. This is where countless Armenian ancestors who lived here for thousands of years are buried.

I want to express my gratitude to the ambassadors of France and the United States in Azerbaijan, who did not go to Shushi and Hadrut, clearly stating that the status is not yet defined. I am convinced that the future status of Artsakh can only be decided by the international community, in which the inhabitants of Artsakh must certainly be represented along with Russia, France, and the United States.

I want to address the global community. Today, there are numerous conflicts in the world, and everyone is only concerned about those that are near their borders. But what is happening in Artsakh concerns everyone. This is not just ancient land and an ethnicity; this is one of the cradles of civilization, one of the cradles of Christianity. Cultural and ethnic cleansings here are impossible and unthinkable. Here, on this land, there are a huge number of unique Christian monuments, monuments of culture and heritage of all humanity. Ultimately, here are simply children growing up who need to be alive, healthy, and happy, like their peers living in other countries.

I want to address my compatriots. Today we are facing almost the same situation as 100 years ago when Armenia, gathering its strength, worked miracles without arms and stopped the enemy at Sardarapat. Sardarapat is not just a battle; it is a symbol of national rebirth and our ability to defend ourselves in the most difficult and critical moment. Now, the existential Sardarapat has arrived for the entire Armenian nation. This is the new Sardarapat. It is not military but akin to radiation, which you cannot see or feel, and you think nothing is happening. In reality, however, radiation destroys all living things. We must awaken. Each of us must do everything to stop this catastrophe, which will be deadly, regardless of where we live.

Two weeks ago, I proposed to create a front for the security and development of Artsakh to unite all caring people, all Armenians. I want to emphasize once again that this front has nothing to do with warfare. Are you an entrepreneur? Open a branch in Artsakh. Are you a student? Come to volunteer. Are you a teacher, doctor, or lawyer? Come and conduct online consultations. Are you a journalist or a blogger? Come to write and film how life is in Artsakh.

Today, the authorities evidently lack the resources or desire to solve the problems of Artsakh. Only together, united in one common front, can we stop the creeping war that has been going on for several decades. Only a strong, developed Artsakh, where people believe in the future, can become a place where gunfire will never be heard.

By my own example, I want to show how important Artsakh is to me and all of us. I want to call on all those who believe and listen to what I say: join us; we are needed in Artsakh. Together we must create a clear development plan for Artsakh and make it a reality by systematically and professionally implementing it. Otherwise, we will lose the foundation of our nation. We must do everything to make Artsakh strong, secure, developed, and happy, as well as to make it the center of the Armenian nation, along with being one of the global centers. And I am confident that we have all the possibilities, all the resources for it because we are Armenians. I believe in us and am certain that we can do it.