Russia claims no credible alternatives to its nuclear power plan for Armenia

Russia sees no viable alternatives to its nuclear energy proposals for Armenia, particularly regarding the construction of a new power unit at the country’s nuclear power plant, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told Russian media.

Galuzin said Moscow has already submitted a comprehensive and detailed package of proposals to the Armenian side. He noted that Rosatom is prepared to move quickly to implement the project, while taking into account Armenia’s preferences. According to him, competing options do not measure up in terms of proven and reliable technologies or the overall attractiveness of financial conditions, including construction costs, long-term operation, and the training and retraining of personnel.

He added that Russia intends to continue fulfilling its role as a guarantor of Armenia’s energy security and contributing to the development of the country’s nuclear sector. Galuzin warned that the experience of several European states, including Germany, demonstrates that abandoning nuclear power can have serious economic consequences.

The remarks come amid renewed international interest in Armenia’s nuclear energy sector. During a recent visit to Yerevan by US Vice President Vance, it was announced that the United States plans to invest $9 billion in Armenia’s nuclear industry and supply small modular reactors. Earlier, Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan met Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev during a trip to Moscow.

Despite these contacts, there were no signs that Yerevan is reconsidering its strategic approach. The discussions remained confined to the bilateral agenda, with no indication of a shift away from cooperation with Russia in the nuclear sector.

By Tamilla Hasanova