Former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, during a meeting in Stepanakert with local community representatives, said he will fight for a free and independent Artsakh even if he continues the struggle alone.

“"On September 2, I came here as a soldier because I believe that here, we have the same situation as we had about one hundred years ago in Sardarapat. We should all be ready to fight and not allow the loss of Artsakh. And it doesn't matter to me whether I will have a position or not. Even if I remain alone, I will fight for that goal. But I'm sure I'm not alone. There are many people who think like me. When you make that decision, it's very empowering. Each of us must face that decision within ourselves. It is a difficult decision, there is no going back, and after that decision the only way is to move forward. There may be sacrifices along the way, but it is better than losing your dignity or your homeland," Vardanyan said according to a statement released by his office.

Vardanyan, a businessman with ties to Russia, announced his intention to move to Artsakh last September, saying he planned to create a social movement to save what remains in Armenian hands following the 2020 Artsakh war.

He was appointed state minister in November 2022 and sacked this February.

Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan stressed his decision to dismiss Vardanyan wasn’t a response to Azerbaijan’s criticism of Vardanyan as an impediment to the settlement of the Karabakh issue.

Vardanyan called on Artsakh Armenians to realize that no outside force will come to their aid.

“This is very important to understand because we used to think that the Russians, the Americans, or the French would not allow a war to happen. Those false myths are disturbing,” Vardanyan said.

He urged the representatives to chose leaders who can draft practical policies to unite people and advance a strategy to save Artsakh, rather than leaders guided by financial and political interests.