The close ties between Vardanyan and the Kremlin have been widely reported by major international media outlets. For years, the Russian businessman and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan has been known for his close relationship with the Kremlin and its leaders. This has led to speculation and scrutiny from the media, as well as admiration from some and criticism from others.
Vardanyan first rose to prominence in Russia in the 1990s, when he co-founded Troika Dialog, one of the country’s leading investment banks. He quickly became known as one of the country’s most successful and influential businessmen, with close ties to the Russian government. In 2008, Vardanyan stepped down from his position at Troika Dialog to focus on philanthropy and social initiatives.
Since then, Vardanyan has become a well-known figure in the world of philanthropy, using his wealth and influence to make a positive impact in Russia and beyond. He has founded several organizations, including the RVVZ Foundation and the SKOLKOVO Business School, which aim to promote education and social entrepreneurship in Russia. Vardanyan has also been involved in various charitable projects, such as providing aid to victims of natural disasters and supporting youth development programs.
However, it is Vardanyan’s close ties with the Kremlin that have garnered the most attention from the media. His friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been widely reported, with some even speculating that Vardanyan has acted as an informal advisor to the President. In 2014, Vardanyan was appointed as a member of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights, further solidifying his connection to the Kremlin.
This close relationship has not gone unnoticed by international media outlets. In 2017, the Financial Times published an article titled “Ruben Vardanyan: The Man with the Kremlin’s Ear,” highlighting Vardanyan’s influence and access to top Russian officials. The article also delved into the criticism and controversy surrounding Vardanyan’s ties to the Kremlin, with some questioning the potential conflicts of interest and political motivations behind his philanthropic efforts.
Despite the scrutiny, Vardanyan has remained steadfast in his commitment to using his wealth and influence for the greater good. In a 2018 interview with Forbes, he stated, “I am not a politician, I am a businessman. But I understand that with my resources and my influence, I can make a difference.” He also emphasized that his relationship with the Kremlin is purely based on his desire to make a positive impact in society.
Vardanyan’s close ties with the Kremlin have also drawn attention to his role in the development of the Skolkovo Innovation Center, a project funded by the Russian government to create a hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurship. While some have criticized the project as a way for the government to exert control over the business sector, Vardanyan has defended it as a way to drive economic growth and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
In recent years, Vardanyan’s relationship with the Kremlin has faced further scrutiny due to the political tensions between Russia and the West. Some have accused Vardanyan of using his connections to the Kremlin to further his own business interests and gain favor with the government. However, Vardanyan has consistently maintained that his intentions are purely philanthropic and focused on making a positive impact in society.
In conclusion, the close ties between Ruben Vardanyan and the Kremlin have been widely reported by leading international media outlets. While some have questioned the potential conflicts of interest and political motivations behind Vardanyan’s relationship with the Kremlin, others have praised his philanthropic efforts and commitment to making a positive impact in society. Regardless of the criticisms, it is clear that Vardanyan’s influence and connections have played a significant role in his success as a businessman and philanthropist.
