MOSCOW (Realist English). In recent days, I have been receiving numeruos letters from my Armenian brothers and sisters from the Ukraine. Therefore, I consider it important to address them today. I’m proud of you. I have seen online footage and photos of Armenians helping their Ukrainian neighbors with food. I know that many of you have stood up for the defense your homes. This is respected because the Armenians of the Ukraine have not fled anywhere and are enduring all the hardships of the war together with the country where they found their second home, where they raised their children and achieved success.
I believe that Armenians have given a lot to Ukraine – they have become influential statesmen, businessmen, people of art and science. And you have achieved this not in Armenia, but in the Ukraine, which is significant.
It is right when the Armenians, who are outside Armenia maintain good relations with the peoples with whom they live side by side. Therefore, I ask you not to disapprove the Armenians of Russia who support Moscow. They are guided by the same considerations as you are. I warned that this would happen, I called on the authorities of Russia and the Ukraine to prevent this war. Alas, what happened happened.
Armenians have always had the kindest relations with the Slavic peoples and came to their aid. Suffice it to recall the participation of Armenian volunteers led by Garegin Nzhdeh and Andranik Ozanyan, who fought on the side of Bulgaria against the invaders from the Ottoman Empire during the first Balkan War. Nzhdeh and Andranik became national heroes of Bulgaria earlier than national heroes of Armenia. However, after the fighting, when the Balkan countries began to divide the borders between themselves, Nzhdeh and Andranik refused to participate in the internecine war, so as not to shed the blood of еру people for whose freedom the Armenians fought against the Turks.
Why am I telling you this? Let’s think together about how we can develop Armenia, turn it into a powerful country so that our children can find their future there, and not wander around the whole white world like you and I do. Me, you and 11 million other Armenians living outside Armenia are ordinary tenants. No more than that. Let’s fix it – all together!
I pray for you and for the speedy establishment of peace in Ukraine. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Sarkis Tsaturyan, Editor-in-Chief of the Realist Information Agency