Russia raises doubts over Armenia’s choice of US small modular reactors

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has commented on Armenia’s recent decision to pursue American nuclear technology, noting that while Yerevan is free to choose its partners, the preference for US systems raises significant questions, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and US Vice President JD Vance signed a joint statement concluding negotiations on the “Agreement on Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the United States of America in the Field of Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy”. Under the agreement, Armenia is to implement American small modular reactors (SMRs) in a $9 billion program: $5 billion for equipment and the remaining $4 billion for fuel supply and reactor maintenance over the long term.

Zakharova questioned the viability of the project, stating, “The small reactors proposed by Washington do not exist anywhere in the US, not even on paper—they exist only conceptually.” She also highlighted the lack of detailed information provided regarding the $9 billion SMR initiative announced in Yerevan.

“This naturally raises questions: what exactly are these reactors, and where are they already operational?” Zakharova added.

The spokesperson further criticized the framing of the project by certain Armenian media outlets as a landmark US investment in Armenia, emphasizing that the central issue concerns the financial model. According to Russian sources, the project does not involve direct US investment; instead, the Armenian side would be responsible for financing. Plans had suggested that funds would be channeled through the TRIPP fund, reportedly established for infrastructure projects, though the fund has yet to be formally created.

Zakharova also reminded that Russia has been a reliable partner in Armenia’s nuclear sector for decades, consistently supporting the operation and maintenance of its facilities. “Currently, we are working together on the next extension of the station’s operational life until 2036,” she noted.

She added that Russia remains the only country in the world operating small modular nuclear reactors and has offered tested and proven solutions to its partners across all operational parameters.

By Vafa Guliyeva