Euronews: Kremlin oligarchs against democracy - Vardanyan is a threat to Armenia's independence

The EU and its US ally should take equal and tough action against oligarch agents of Moscow, reads an article by Taras Kuzio, Professor of Political Science, published by Euronews, Report informs.

The article discusses Armenian oligarch Ruben Vardanyan, who served as "state minister" in the separatist regime in Karabakh, and Moldovan opposition politician, pro-Moscow Ilan Shor.

It states that both are subject to various degrees of restrictions and sanctions imposed by Western governments and their allies. The author notes that Vardanyan and Shor were sent by Moscow to gain power in Armenia and Moldova, as they pursue Russia's goal of maintaining influence in the Eurasian region.

The author emphasizes that Vardanyan was first appointed as "state minister" to the separatist regime that once illegally operated in Azerbaijan's sovereign territory, and was later used as a base to overthrow pro-European Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. Meanwhile, Shor was accused last month of financing 130,000 fake votes for a referendum on EU membership in Moldova.

The article highlights their negative impact on political stability and democratic development in European countries as Kremlin agents. Both individuals are presented as part of the struggle for Russia's geopolitical goals, which raises serious concerns about their activities.

"Vardanyan has been accused of money-laundering on an epic scale, washing $4.6 billion through the notorious ‘Troika Laundromat’ centred on the Russian private bank Troika Dialog which he founded and ran through a motley collection of 70 offshore shell companies," the author says.

Besides, the fact that he was sanctioned by Ukraine draws attention to Kyiv's view of Vardanyan as an agent of the Kremlin and as part of Russia's war plans.

Vardanyan's activities are presented as part of extensive corruption networks in the post-Soviet space. He increased his political and economic power by distributing money obtained through illegal means to others.

The financial fraud of both Vardanyan and Shor reveals that they have damaged their countries' economies. The article's author emphasizes and calls for Western states to impose stricter sanctions against these oligarchs.

"The West should act to place western sanctions on those the government of Ukraine have already sanctioned. If Ukraine believes a crooked agent of the Kremlin like Vardanyan is a threat to its survival, then so should the West," reads the article.