Petros Baghdasaryan is head of the Armenian community of Dnepropetrovsk. For reasons known to us all, “Hayern Aysor”’s interview with our Ukrainian-Armenian compatriot was not just about the Armenian community.

Petros Baghdasaryan: There are nearly 10,000 Armenians living in Dnepropetrovsk. In 1995, I founded the “Ojakh” Armenian community. The members of the community stand united as one, cooperate and help each other out.

Seven years ago, members of the community started providing funding for the construction of a church, and the only thing left is the interior design. A cross-stone from Armenia has been placed in the churchyard.

An Armenian Sunday school was established a year ago and has nearly 140 students. We keep in touch with the Ministry of Diaspora, which provided books to us last year.

We have a cultural center that has a dance group and sport clubs. We’ve just gotten on track and will have more opportunities to carry out different kinds of programs in the future. We collaborate with the Georgian and Jewish communities, even the Azerbaijani community. There is no tension.

“Hayern Aysor”: Mr. Baghdasaryan, how has the situation in Ukraine impacted the Armenian community?

P. B.: The Armenians are neutral. The community is a non-governmental organization, and it’s clear that the members of the community don’t participate in the political clashes. We’re law-abiding citizens in Ukraine. The Russians and the Ukrainians are like our brothers. We have the same faith. The Russians and Ukrainians receive us well and give way to us, but we don’t get involved in politics.

“Hayern Aysor”: What is the mood within the community? Do the Armenians want to stay in Ukraine, or do they want to move?

P. B.: None of the Armenians wishes to move. I’m speaking on behalf of the majority. We’ve been living there for years and have already settled. The Armenians of Dnepropetrovsk are mainly the Armenians from Baku, Karabakh and Sumgait.

“Hayern Aysor”: How do you envision the future?

P. B.: The Ukrainian government wants to move toward Europe, but the Russian government tends to differ. We Armenians are creative and hard-working, and we can live in Europe and Russia. The only thing that we wouldn’t want is to raise the ethnic issue. We’re not too concerned about economic and political issues.

Such situations make Armenians establish strong ties with the homeland. That’s when Armenians appreciate the homeland. That’s when we weigh out the relationship between the land and the nation.

“Hayern Aysor”: How is the collaboration with the Ministry of Diaspora?

P. B.: To be honest, we’re a little passive. During my visit, I visited the Ministry of Diaspora. From now on, we’ll try to enhance ties and try to participate in the Ministry’s programs. I hope the cooperation will be much more effective.

Interview by Lusine Abrahamyan