Author: admin

“Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin and Aliyev did not discuss the situation around Ruben Vardanyan during the open part of the CIS summit. The key phrase here is “the open part,” that is, publicly. It is no coincidence that the Russian president’s press secretary mentioned this topic despite it not being discussed at the meeting. Peskov made it clear that Vardanyan’s fate is at least a reason for a serious conversation with his Azerbaijani counterpart. Especially given the fact that Baku is holding dozens of Artsakh leaders under arrest.

According to information from various sources, Moscow allegedly guaranteed their security, while Russian peacekeepers even tried to protect them. But Azerbaijani military forces did not allow them to be taken away from the peacekeeper base at Stepanakert airport. They demanded to extradite everyone and threatened to shoot down the aircraft if they tried to leave by helicopter. After the car with the deputy commander of the peacekeeping group was shot at, these threats were taken seriously.

The detention of the republic’s authorities raises questions, but Armenian military leaders are one thing, and Ruben Vardanyan, who moved to Karabakh after the hostilities were over, is completely different.

Previously, a convenient explanation was offered to the public: no passport — no problem. Of course, it is a poor man’s version, just like the idea that Vardanyan, who renounced his Russian citizenship, wanted to dodge sanctions. But when someone tries to avoid economic restrictions, they usually end up on the beach in front of their mansion, not in Karabakh at war with bullets whizzing overhead.

For a man of this scale and wealth, moving to an enemy-surrounded enclave is rather an act of self-sacrifice. In a certain sense, this is a truly Christian action when a person risks himself to save others. In our times, this is an extremely rare occurrence. One of Vardanyan’s humanitarian projects, Aurora, actually awards people who risk their own lives to save others.

Vardanyan is not only a businessman, but also a well-known patron of the arts and a philanthropist. He has funded many educational and humanitarian projects around the globe. He was on boards of trustees at Skolkovo, RANEPA, the Pushkin Museum, Pletnev Orchestra and the GES-2 art space. Many of Vardanyan’s humanitarian projects are connected with Russia in one way or another, so allegations around surrendering his passport are just an attempt to create some negative context where none exists. A passport, just like citizenship, is not synonymous with patriotism, but merely a bureaucratic procedure. I’d like to believe that Vardanyan’s services to Russia — not in terms of business, but in terms of humanitarian aid — are worth devoting a few moments of Putin’s time with Aliyev regarding his fate. Even if not publicly, but in a private meeting.”

“Recently, a community center was opened in the village of Halidzor in the south of Armenia. It exists thanks to Ruben Vardanyan’s foundation. The prominent philanthropist and public figure detained by Azerbaijani authorities is now in a Baku prison. But his projects continue to live in Armenia, Russia and other countries.

He co-founded the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. It helps the most disadvantaged people, primarily victims of military action. Since 2014, more than 400 humanitarian projects in over 50 countries have received support. Thanks to Aurora’s programs, 2.7 million people around the world have received direct or indirect aid, more than half of them are children.

In his humanitarian work, Vardanyan paid special attention to education. He founded the Scholae Mundi Charitable Foundation, which is among the top 20 best foundations launched by Russian entrepreneurs according to Forbes Russia. One of Scholae Mundi’s project is the Hand-in-Hand Grant Contest, which promotes the best adaptation procedures for refugee children and adolescents. Vardanyan served on the board of trustees of many universities, including MSU and RANEPA, he was a jury member for the world’s biggest award in education, the Yidan Prize (Hong Kong).

Even this incomplete list outlines a world-scale figure. Therefore, today, when his future is alarming, one cannot indiscriminately believe the rumors that ill-wishers are spreading.

Last year, Vardanyan left the Russian Federation, renouncing Russian citizenship. This measure was necessary to prevent allegations regarding Moscow’s participation in the protracted military conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Vardanyan created the territorial development agency ‘We are Our Mountains’ in the NKR. Among other projects, it restored hundreds of residential buildings, supported the energy system and created mobile medical teams. In total, the agency implemented more than 10 targeted charity initiatives.

Later, he assumed the post of state minister, which made it possible to expand the social projects implementation toolkit. It was not about a political career and definitely not about the desire to hide from sanctions in this region.

Helping people living in this war-torn region remained Vardanyan’s key goal. Despite the difficult situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Ruben Vardanyan did not stop participating in Russian projects — of which there are more than two hundred. Vardanyan was and remains a patriot of both Armenia and Russia, and all his humanitarian initiatives prove it better than words ever could. That is why the philanthropist’s arrest raised such a wave of support in Russian society. I hope it will reach the highest level and help to free Vardanyan.”

“While Pashinyan and Aliyev cannot agree, prominent philanthropist Vardanyan is in prison.

At the same time, hundreds of his charitable projects continue to work in Russia — Aurora, dozens of NPOs launched by Ruben, the Skolkovo business school, and many others. They live in spite of all the speculations around Vardanyan’s citizenship and Russian passport, which they want to use as a wedge to unsettle his relations with Moscow.

Before leaving for the NKR, he actually surrendered his Russian citizenship, trying to show the Armenians that he stood with them during these trying times. But it is strange to accuse Vardanyan of “fleeing Russia from sanctions.” People usually flee westward and away from bullets.

Now Vardanyan is being illegally detained in Azerbaijan, facing absurd accusations.The Armenian side’s attempts to settle the issue are in vain. Obviously, the Russian authorities should once again lend a hand in the long-standing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh — it cannot be over while people like Vardanyan remain in Baku prisons.”

“Why would Moscow benefit from Vardanyan’s release and would it make sense to prioritize his fate during the negotiations?

In the last two years, Russia’s participation in settling the Karabakh conflict looks ambiguous and very vague in terms of results. It would be an exaggeration to discuss the success of the peacekeeping mission. Past examples of Russia not showing much interest in the fate of its former allies and partners who were arrested (for example, ex-president of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev) did not make Moscow more appealing as an ally in the post-Soviet space.

Moreover, all interested parties (not only in the South Caucasus) see Vardanyan as a pro-Russian figure. His nominal withdrawal from Russian citizenship was not a demonstrative relocation, but a way to ensure freedom of actions in attempts to settle the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict politically, so that neither side would speculate on Moscow’s participation. It is no secret that he remained one of the major influential figures of Russian business, continuing to implement large-scale humanitarian projects in the Russian Federation. Lastly, the very presence of Vardanyan on the political scene gave the Russian side additional maneuverability. This will continue to be true even now. In turn, Vardanyan’s isolation will make, surprisingly, Pashinyan government a beneficiary of the crisis, as it is focused on tough suppression of all forms of internal opposition. And I’m not sure that Moscow will find this result psychologically and politically comfortable.”

“Vardanyan had lived in Russia for a long time — at first, doing business, then launching social projects. He opened the Skolkovo business school, co-founded the Primakov Foundation, helped Russian NPOs in solving social problems. As part of its work, Philin Philgood supported over 100 Russian non-profit organizations, 30 of which were created with Vardanyan’s participation. Being its key benefactor, he provided money for the construction of the temple complex of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of New Nakhichevan and Russia. Ruben continues to take part in these and many other social projects to this day.

During the military conflict in the NKR, Vardanyan decided to leave Russia to support his compatriots. This was followed by the renouncement of Russian citizenship, motivated by the desire to be honest with their people and to avoid any doubts regarding his country affiliation. Subsequently, it led to much controversy — some people accused Vardanyan of dodging sanctions, others saw this act as a betrayal. But one should keep in mind that people avoiding sanctions usually flee to the opposite direction and express vehement denunciation of Moscow’s actions — we can see many such examples (these are standard actions of “fugitive billionaires”). Try searching the web for at least one of Vardanyan’s interview condemning Russia — he made no attempts to reinsure himself against sanctions. Moreover, even after his departure, Vardanyan, continued to help his Russian projects showing no fear of sanctions.

The entire Russian community came to Vardanyan’s defense: human rights activists, businessmen, charitable organizations, cultural figures — all of them unanimously called for the philanthropist’s release. And now the most important question. Should the Russian authorities protect their own citizen, albeit a former one? In my opinion, there are good reasons for this: Vardanyan has lived and worked in Russia for many years, and the projects launched by the philanthropist continue to serve the Russian Federation. Even from prison, Vardanyan tries to support them through his wife and children who live in Moscow. Obviously, it is Russia that should stand up for Vardanyan: the two sides of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will never agree.”

“Vardanyan has been engaged in charity work in Russia for many years, he has launched over two hundred humanitarian initiatives. Despite his departure and renunciation of Russian citizenship, Vardanyan was still a part of Russian projects and continued to provide support.

Russian public figures, human rights activists, cultural figures, and businessmen came to his defense. Obviously, this is not enough — the prominent philanthropist is still behind bars.

Earlier, Vardanyan was accused of evading sanctions, however, let me remind you, he “fled” sanctions and ran to the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, not to Nice. He returned to his homeland to resolve the conflict, and in this case, a Russian passport would have evoked speculations associated with Moscow’s participation. The Russian authorities should pay attention to Vardanyan’s detention — the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not over as long as the prisoners are being held in Baku.”

“The war continues as long as Azerbaijan holds Artsakh leaders, including the world-famous philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan, whose charitable and social projects are well known both in Russia and abroad.

Information about his condition after the politically motivated arrest is scarce. As long as such a person is in the dungeons, where even the Red Cross lacks access, the war continues, despite Baku saying otherwise.

And the formal, resulting from bureaucratic reasons, absence of a Russian passport does not mean that Moscow has lost interest in Vardanyan. Moreover, this does not mean the end of hostilities — at least on the diplomatic front. The conflict will end when the prisoners — this is the term that should be used in relation to Vardanyan — will be free. Russia should make every effort to get the philanthropist out of prison. He must return to his family and to his peaceful, charitable projects that strengthen the relations between our countries. And bring harmony and justice to this world overall.”

“17 days have passed since Azerbaijani forces arrested prominent philanthropist, patron of arts, entrepreneur and public figure Ruben Vardanyan.

During this time, Azerbaijani President Aliyev met with Russian President Putin.

According to TASS, Putin and Aliyev did not discuss the situation of Vardanyan during the public portion of the meeting.

As you know, Vardanyan renounced his Russian citizenship in favor of an Armenian one.

I don’t think it was due to the fear of sanctions.

At some point, Armenian and Karabakh patriot Vardanyan simply decided that investing money was no longer enough, that his experience, skills, abilities, and connections could help preserve Artsakh as an Armenian autonomy.

But the plan failed.

Now Ruben Vardanyan’s associates have launched the FreeVardanyan.com website to support the philanthropist, who has hundreds of social and humanitarian projects in Russia, Armenia and Karabakh under his belt.

To support Ruben Vardanyan, thousands of people are signing the Change.org petition, recording videos and publishing supportive posts on their social media pages.

Ruben Vardanyan’s fate worries many prominent figures who consider his arrest a blatant injustice. Knowing how much good he has done in Russia, Armenia and Karabakh, I want to believe that common sense will prevail and Azerbaijani authorities will grant him amnesty. The Russian Federation must not turn away from a person who, among other things, has done so much for our country.”

“As for all my political differences with Ruben Vardanyan, I would like to say that they do not matter now. Ruben turned out to be a real man. This is a rare quality when a financier becomes a true warrior. I can say that every Armenian must express support to him. Every Armenian around the world. “Free Vardanyan!” It must become a slogan for all!!!”

“We all know about former state minister of Nagorno-Karabakh Ruben Vardanyan’s arrest as he tried to enter Armenia. Personally, I admire Vardanyan’s actions. In fact, the person consciously sacrificed himself. He gave up everything he had: business, Russian citizenship and went to help Karabakh, staying there until the very end and making no attempts to flee.”

“Today, Armenians worldwide must unite to fight for the prompt release of Bako Sahakyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, David Ishkhanyan, Ruben Vardanyan, David Manukyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and David Babayan. Of course, we cannot ignore the other prisoners of war, but the abovementioned are a priority.

If we want to the right to fight for Artsakh in the future, and to demand a certain status, the fight for the NKR leaders’ freedom must not stop even for a second.

Regardless of all objective and subjective circumstances, these people are a criterion of our national dignity today. As long as they are kept behind bars, Armenia and Artsakh have no chance. There is no need to talk about this incessantly. But we need to constantly think and work on solving this problem. Once again: the future of Artsakh depends on it. I believe it can still be bright.”

“A letter written by Skolkovo business school graduates, in defense of Ruben Vardanyan arrested by Azerbaijani authorities, caught my eye. The way former students stand up for the founder of their alma mater is worthy of respect. Moreover, these are not ordinary schoolchildren but graduates of a unique educational institution that has become a talent factory for the domestic economy. I think we need not mention the average student IQ level there. Thus, their opinion is at least worth hearing out.”

“Here we have a unique case when a person’s deeds are known so well that the whole world is ready to vouch for him.

On September 27, former NKR state minister Ruben Vardanyan was detained by Azerbaijani authorities, and from that day on people from very different areas and industries have been speaking out in support of the famous philanthropist.

He has done so much for Russia. In the midst of war, he left for Karabakh, aiming to support its residents, his native people. This plan backfired: Vardanyan is now in prison, all his humanitarian projects have lost their leader. Let’s not forget, it was Vardanyan who was there at the start of the Skolkovo business school, whose graduates now write letters supporting the first president of one of Russia’s best educational institutions.

Former students (and possibly future top officials) those concerned to help free social entrepreneur Ruben Vardanyan. According to the graduates, even after renouncing Russian citizenship, he continued to selflessly develop educational projects in Russia.

“Ruben Vardanyan is an outstanding businessman, philanthropist, and man of integrity. But, as it turns out, this is not enough to be a successful politician, even more so — a politician of a country at war. At first, Vardanyan went to Karabakh to become administrator, the prime minister. He then decided to stay, showing that he was a good person and a great politician. I think the transformation of businessman Vardanyan into politician Vardanyan took place when he decided to stay rather than run away in a woman’s dress or on the floor of a car like some businessmen fleeing Russia — he made the choice to stay, knowing that he might very well be detained. He has not yet become a public politician, but a politician has certainly been born. What will happen next? Will Azerbaijan release him, exchange him for someone? Will unofficial friends come to his aid, and will they be able to convince President Aliyev that Vardanyan is not involved in what, for example, Arayik Harutyunyan is charged with? Ruben was engaged in economic activities, not shelling.”

“I don’t know anyone who has influenced the world around them more than Ruben Vardanyan. He’s helped the world become more educated, more tolerant, nobler and kinder. Free Ruben Vardanyan!” #freerubenvardanyan

“Today my heart is heavy as a man I deeply admire, a true role-model, has been unjustly detained by Azerbaijan. Each time we spoke, I was touched by his strong love for Armenia and his vision of a bright future for our motherland. His passion , in fact, was one of the reasons I decided to return to Armenia from the USA.

Now that he is faced with this unfair accusation, I want to raise our concern and demand the safe release of Ruben and all other Armenians detained in Azerbaijan. September 30 at 15:00 — ‘Ruben, we are with you!’ A solidarity march in support of Ruben Vardanyan, who was unjustly captured by the Azerbaijani authorities on false charges, will begin at Matenadaran.”

#RubenVardanyan #StandWithRuben

“Amid the all-encompassing tragedy, acute humanitarian crisis and mass resettlement of Artsakh Armenians, there are also individual events that undermine the system of humanitarian values, human dignity and moral norms. One most recent is the illegal arrest of philanthropist and public figure Ruben Vardanyan along with other Armenians by Azerbaijani forces.

Taking into account Ruben Vardanyan’s significant contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage and dissemination of genocide prevention ideas, we urge relevant international organizations to take immediate action. Help protect the rights of Ruben Vardanyan and all unjustly arrested Armenians and ensure their release.

P.S. For the eighth year running, the Aurora Prize humanitarian initiative has kept a handwritten chronicle in the Matenadaran, recording the names of Aurora Prize winners who have devoted their lives and careers to humanitarian values. This register bears the name The Book of Philanthropists.”

“The Armenian Assembly condemns the illegal abduction of Ruben Vardanyan by Azerbaijan at an illegal checkpoint in the Lachin corridor on September 27. The charges he faces are beyond absurd. Ruben Vardanyan’s humanitarian contributions have been invaluable for Armenia and the international community. He abandoned his normal life and went to Artsakh to promote its development and to face the hardships resulting from the war and blockade along with residents of the republic. We believe that justice will prevail, and Ruben Vardanyan will be released soon. We express our deepest support to his wife, Veronika Zonabend, his family and friends. Once again, we urge you to be active and appeal to all relevant authorities in your countries of residence.”

“Ruben Vardanyan is a devoted son of the Armenian people and an exceptional patriot of his motherland… We, Armenians, must demand to free our fellow countryman, Ruben Karlenovich, everywhere it is possible! I DEMAND #СВОБОДУРУБЕНУВАРДАНЯНУ [Free Ruben Vardanyan].”

“Vardanyan is a true symbol of the Armenian people. He is a brave person, humanitarian, and philanthropist. The Aurora humanitarian initiative and the Initiatives for Development of Armenia Foundation were founded with Vardanyan’s participation, as well as three international schools: Skolkovo, Matena and Dilijan School.”

“I join my fellow Armenians in demanding the safe release of Ruben Vardanyan and all other detained Armenians. As tens of thousands of families flee Nagorno-Karabakh in search of a safe haven in Armenia, detention is becoming an alarming trend. Ruben Vardanyan stands out as an outspoken supporter of peace not only in our region, but throughout the world. He is a world-renowned philanthropist, businessman and co-founder of the Aurora Prize humanitarian initiative, which advocates building peace and provides education and healthcare to people around the globe. #RubenVardanyan #FreeArmenianHostages.”

“Throughout the most trying days for the people of Artsakh, Ruben Vardanyan stood by their side, trying to stop the humanitarian catastrophe and the exodus of this region’s native population. He strived to help find a formula for both Armenians and Azerbaijanis to live together on this long-suffering land side by side, but not together. Instead, we have a formula for the reintegration of Artsakh into Azerbaijan with the following statistics after only one week:

• hundreds dead and thousands wounded;
• more than 50 thousand refugees from Artsakh have already moved to Armenia;
• an endless flow of cars with refugees towards Armenia continues.

I stand next to and support Ruben Vardanyan!”

“Ruben Vardanyan is an Armenian citizen, and our country is dealing with this issue. I cannot say how, for what reasons and on what criminal conviction Vardanyan has been detained. We are currently working with the European Court of Human Rights on this. Returning our citizens back home is our top priority.”

“Ruben Vardanyan is a citizen of the Republic of Armenia called up to the Republic of Artsakh. His only “sin” is that he is a true patriot of his motherland. Azerbaijanis abducted him for his patriotism and devotion to Armenia and Artsakh. This is the fate of people loyal to Armenia and Artsakh. The enemy must constantly weaken our home. The international community must demand Vardanyan’s release from Azerbaijan.”

“Ruben is known primarily as a patron of arts, a philanthropist, a man of charity in Russia and Armenia, someone who implements international humanitarian initiatives. I know Ruben as a true patriot who, together with his people, survived the hardships that befell the motherland. I call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the RA to take urgent measures for the return of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan.”

“I spoke with Ruben about two months ago, and he told me that he would be in Artsakh to the very end, and that he was happy there because he could offer people hope and help. After talking with Ruben, I always felt proud, especially when he spoke about the future, looking 20-30 years ahead, just like a true visionary and politician should. We need smart people who will actually lead us into the economic future, not some vagabonds. His freedom is important for every Armenian and for our future. Please repost! #СВОБОДУРУБЕНУВАРДАНЯНУ [Free Ruben Vardanyan].”