Ukrainian MP: Ruben Vardanyan's nomination for Nobel Peace Prize is unacceptable

Oleksiy Goncharenko, a member of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine, expressed deep concern over the nomination of former separatist leader of Karabakh Ruben Vardanyan for the Nobel Peace Prize, asserting that such recognition would be an affront to the principles of peace and sovereignty.

“Peace, first of all, means respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. How can the peace prize be given to a person accused of separatism?” Goncharenko told Azertag.

The MP said that it was unacceptable to give this award to Ruben Vardanyan.

"First of all, I should note that Ruben Vardanyan is on Ukraine's sanctions list. The Ukrainian government included his name in the sanctions list as a Russian oligarch. Being a Russian oligarch means being Putin's wallet in one way or another. The nomination of such a person for the Nobel Peace Prize creates a shock effect and is unacceptable. This person is charged with money laundering and other crimes," the Ukrainian parliamentarian said.

Goncharenko said that the list of sanctions in Ukraine is drawn up by special services and law enforcement agencies.

If someone is included in this list, there are good reasons for it, he said, adding that the reason for Vardanyan is that the enterprises led by him threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

"A number of members of the Ukrainian parliament have already signed a letter stating that this is unacceptable. I am sure and believe that the Nobel Prize Committee will take into account these facts that I have listed," the Verkhovna Rada member added.