In an August 2025 interview, Tatevik Khachatoorian, the wife of Andre Khachatoorian who has been detained in Russia since December 2021, spoke about the family’s anguish and their ongoing fight for his release. Despite Andre’s resilience, his health has sharply declined, with infections and heavy medication use leaving him physically and emotionally broken. Tatevik expressed deep frustration with the lack of U.S. government progress, noting that Andre has still not been designated “wrongfully detained.” She stressed that he cannot be left behind again in future negotiations and urged U.S. officials to make a deal with Russia immediately. While the toll has been devastating, Tatevik said the family remains committed to bringing Andre home and is calling for greater public awareness to keep his case alive.
How is the family coping with Andre’s imprisonment in Russia?
Ever since Andre was wrongfully detained, I have been in Moscow. I spent the first year attending every trial to be there for Andre with hope for his release. Little did we know that the cruel and unjust Russian authorities would deny it each time, but we carried on with heavy hearts. It has been very difficult for me, and of course for Andre’s family as well.
How do you deal with and overcome frustration when things don’t seem to move forward with his case?
Thank God Andre has kept up his strength despite all the physical and emotional suffering. His courage gives us energy and patience to keep going, even with many tears day and night. Our families, especially Andre’s mom, are staying strong, and we will never give up on our loved one.
How do you stay hopeful and lift his spirits?
We are stronger than ever. God knows how hard these past three years have been, but we are fighting and staying strong until he is home safe.
What are the toughest parts and main challenges of trying to bring him home?
Andre’s Russian lawyers in Moscow is working hard on his case. We never give up hope, especially now as we wait for the Trump Summit, hoping it will open doors to bring Americans left behind home safely.
Are you getting the support you need from organizations, the media, and others? How could they help more?
We would like more posts to raise awareness about Andre’s case. We really appreciate any help spreading the word and demanding that the US government act to free him immediately.
Andre is not yet designated “unlawfully detained” despite your request. Have you gotten any response from the State Department regarding why?
We have asked the State Department about designating Andre as wrongfully detained. Their answer is always: “With the Trump administration, it doesn’t matter if they are designated or not, we bring them home.”
Are there any updates on diplomatic efforts to free Andre especially after he was left behind in several recent deals to free Americans from Russia?
Andre cannot be left behind again. It’s time to free all who are still captive. The damage is already done, nonstop emotional and physical suffering. Andre and others left behind in Russia are suffering simply because they hold a US passport. They need to be brought home safely as soon as possible.
Andre’s last call a few days ago broke my heart. We were devastated to hear him say how many medicines he is taking just to recover from the viruses spreading in that unhealthy place. He is broken physically and emotionally. They must come home immediately. We are calling on Secretary Rubio and Special Envoy Witkoff to make a deal with Russia now and bring our loved ones home.
Is there anything else you would like to share or talk about?
We really appreciate your attention and support in helping raise awareness of Andre’s case on social media. Any help is very valuable in bringing him home.
