First and foremost, we must prevent a situation where we could lose everything. Ruben Vardanyan on Artsakh

Forbes list member Ruben Vardanyan has announced his decision to renounce his Russian citizenship and move to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). In an interview with Forbes, he explained why he changed his passport and what he plans to do in his historical homeland.

- How did you decide to move to Artsakh?

- The second large-scale war in Artsakh began in 2020. On October 5, 2020, I appealed to the leaders of Russia and other countries, predicting the depth of the tragedy that could occur (the conflict became the bloodiest since the end of the 1994 Karabakh war). During this time, I have reevaluated a lot; life has been divided into before and after the war. Besides the Russian passport, I never had another one, and last June, I obtained a citizenship passport of Armenia. The situation has not improved in these two years. There are over 120,000 people living in Artsakh, and it is very important for me that they receive a signal that they are not alone, that they not only understand that money can be sent to them, but that they can truly live in their homeland and that there are people ready to walk a very difficult path with them.

The decision to move was not easy for me and my family, as I am taking them from a familiar and comfortable life. But I also understood very well that sooner or later, it should be accepted; to cross the Rubicon. To decide whether I am ready to do this for my homeland or not.

- You still have a business in Russia and influential projects. What will happen to them?

- I have partners in all projects who manage the business. Armenia has very good relations with Russia, so if necessary, I can fly there at any time. For instances like board meetings, I can join online. The question is how much time I can dedicate to the projects. However, I do not see the need to suspend any of them.

- You mentioned that you would transfer your assets in Russia to a family foundation. Who will manage those?

- My assets are managed by the family office. Understand, I am not changing citizenship because there are many things I will not be able to do. But there may be a situation where I will be forced to take a public stance, and I will deem it right. In Armenia, the law prohibits public servants from having dual citizenship and owning property abroad. Additionally, to hold a public office, you must live in the country for a certain period and not hold citizenship of another country during that time. Are you planning to take a public office?

- No. I want to have complete freedom of action, including from a moral standpoint. However, Artsakh is a territory that still does not have a fully defined status, and in this history of the conflict, I do not want to substitute Russia.

- Can we say that this move marks the beginning of your political career?

- The topic of what is happening in Ukraine is very painful for Russia. For Armenians, Artsakh is even more painful. In such a crisis, both politics and positions are secondary; first and foremost, it is necessary to consolidate society and prevent a situation where we could lose everything. We live in a world where cardinal changes are happening; the old world is collapsing, not just in one region, but everywhere and in all directions: politically, technologically, and psychologically. Pandemics, technological innovations, political cataclysms, wars... This leads to an increase in the level of anxiety and distrust among people. The unpredictability of the future is very dangerous. And I prefer to be where the situation is the most difficult.

- What do you see as your main challenge in Artsakh?

- Creating conditions for building a successful society in Artsakh that will have a strong economy and social institutions that will enhance both the country's and the region's security. In this regard, my main function is to utilize my experience (both managerial and financial) and my connections, combined with my capabilities as a person.