Gagik Aghavelyan is the leader of the Armenian community in the Donetsk Oblast of Ukraine. The Armenians of the country’s largest industrial region chose and trusted him as their leader with pleasure and with the belief that he and President of the Union of Armenians of Ukraine Vilen Shatvoryan have always supported the solutions to the Armenian community’s issues. Recently Gagik Aghavelyan was hosted at the Ministry of Diaspora where “Hayern Aysor”’s correspondent sat down for an interview.

“Hayern Aysor”: Mr. Aghavelyan, I would like to ask you to present the Armenian community of Donetsk since we don’t have much information.

Gagik Aghavelyan: The Armenian community of Donetsk is one of the largest Armenian communities in Ukraine with a population of nearly 80,000. This is already a large presence in a region where there are residents of nearly 170 nationalities. The Armenian community was established as an independent community with its image and visions. The community was established in the 1990s and comprises victims of the Spitak Earthquake, as well as Armenians who left Armenia due to social issues following independence in search of jobs and a better life. They were the ones who established the community. In addition to them, there are also many Armenians who have been living here for a while. We know that Armenians have always lived in Donetsk. The Armenian community of Ukraine was established several centuries ago, and the Armenians have lived in Lvov, Simferopol and elsewhere. There is a variety of people in the community. There are businessmen, intellectuals and modest workers.

“Hayern Aysor”: The community doesn’t just mean the population. There is obviously a need for infrastructures and religious organizations that contribute to the formation of the community, the implementation of its activities and cultural traditions. In this sense, what does the community have?

G. A.: It’s safe to say that from that angle, our community is already developed. We have churches and chapels, some of which have been created throughout the past decade. We are aware of the fact that religious structures are the first that are called for preserving the national identity. That is why we haven’t spared efforts to have several churches that have become the pivot of community life. Different religious holidays bring us together and create opportunities for us to meet and specify our problems. In addition to religious organizations, we have also attached importance to the issue of Armenian education. We already have 12 Armenian Sunday schools with more than 300 students. Establishing Armenian Sunday schools is an issue of major concern since it is very important for the Armenians to have knowledge of the language. Armenians must always have knowledge of the language and the history wherever they may be. We have done everything possible to make sure that Armenian Sunday schools become well established. They were created with the support of the community and through funding provided by the Union of Armenians of Ukraine.

“Hayern Aysor”: Mr. Aghavelyan, if there are Armenian Sunday schools, it means that you have solved the issue of preserving the native language and avoiding assimilation. Nevertheless, isn’t assimilation a threat to the Armenians living in Donetsk?

G. A.: Assimilation is a major issue for all Armenian communities of the Diaspora. Being under the influence of another culture abroad always creates difficulties to preserve the native language. To this day, we haven’t had any problem with this. Armenian is the household language in all families in Donetsk and our daily language. We obviously communicate in Russian outside, and the youth also have knowledge of Ukrainian. Of course, no matter how much we preserve our native language, we always feel the danger of losing the language. That’s why we try to make the native language accessible to everyone through Armenian Sunday schools. I think we still have a lot to do and have to put in all our efforts to not suffer any losses. For that, we have to strengthen our bonds with Armenia and do everything possible to make sure that the young people take part in pan-Armenian events and the programs organized by the Ministry of Diaspora. This is my first visit to the Ministry of Diaspora. I was introduced to all the initiatives that are being carried out and will make sure that the Armenians of Donbass participate in them.

“Hayern Aysor”: Donetsk has a Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia. How do you work with the Consulate? How do you solve the issues concerning the Armenians?

G. A.: The seat of the consulate and our organization are located in the same building, meaning we’re neighbors, and this helps us keep in touch and organize joint discussions. Sometimes we face problems, but solve them quickly. This might come as a surprise, but we don’t feel the need of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Ukraine because the consulate does everything. Generally speaking, state structures and the public sector collaborate well together. We know that we are like a small Armenian and must stand united as one. Moreover, we also show active participation in different events held in the region and are considered the most organized community. Evidence of that are our awards.

“Hayern Aysor”: Recently, member of the Union of Writers of Ukraine Raisa Karagyozyan posted a comment on her Facebook page in which she mentioned that the Armenians of the Union of Armenians of Ukraine speak in Russian, there is no preservation of the Armenian identity and that the Union and other Armenian organizations don’t work with the communities. What do you have to say about that?

G. A.: I don’t share that opinion and view it as condemnable. The Union of Armenians of Ukraine and its leader Vilen Shatvoryan do everything possible to preserve the Armenian identity so that the Armenians of Ukraine feel safe and content. Our Union and community organizations have created youth camps. We have our own area in Saki, which serves as a camp. We also have youth organizations that work with the UAU and have achieved great success. Frankly, I don’t know who the woman you mentioned is. If there was such a member of the Union of Writers of Ukraine, we would know her because the Union of Armenians of Ukraine is in close collaboration with intellectuals. We simply have to view this as a false statement and a provocation against the Armenian community.

“Hayern Aysor”: I agree with that because unfortunately, there are still people who live for their “actions” to destroy Armenian communities abroad. But those actions are always doomed to failure. There are examples when this or that failed figure tries to make Armenians in the Diaspora disagree with each other and mix things up, but the communities and the Ministry of Diaspora always find solutions and even counterattack…Now, let’s touch upon the recent events in Ukraine. There is no political subtext and my intention is not to get you entangled in politics. It’s simply interesting to know how the community feels about these events?

G. A.: Our community doesn’t pursue political goals, and this means that we refrain from giving political evaluations. I musts say that everything is peaceful in Donbass. As an ethnic community, we’re ready to collaborate with those who will propose programs contributing to the strengthening of relations between communities and the introduction of new social programs. The Armenians don’t feel like guests in that country. We participate in elections, but our major issues are issues of national concern, as well as unity and consolidation.

“Hayern Aysor”: Recently, Armenian Arsen Avagov was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. What do you have to say about this?

G. A.: We don’t know Arsen Avagov personally, but I know about his active efforts within the parliament and that he has proposed a draft law that is of our interest. I’m pleased with the fact that Ukraine has appointed our compatriot. I’m certain that he’ll do everything possible to make sure that legitimacy reigns supreme in Ukraine.

“Hayern Aysor”: Allow me to thank you for this interview and wish you success.

G. A.: I also express my gratitude and assure you that from now on, our collaboration with the RA Ministry of Diaspora will be more noticeable.

Interview by Levon Mutafyan