Likhachev warned Armenia about the consequences of abandoning Russian technologies

Armenia risks losing its competence in the field of nuclear energy in case of abandonment of Russian nuclear technologies. Alexey Likhachev, head of the Rosatom state Corporation, told Izvestia on May 27.

"Armenia is the only country in the Caucasus that proudly carries the banner of nuclear energy. Moreover, it carries it not only efficiently, but also solves the key task of energy security and the stability of the energy system. <...> And to lose this competence, that is, to lose nuclear energy altogether [due to the abandonment of Russian technologies], in my opinion, would be, to put it mildly, absolutely ungovernable," — he said in a conversation with Izvestia columnist Viktor Sineok.

Likhachev stressed that in 2026-2027 Yerevan needs to decide on a partner for the further development of nuclear energy after 2036. He called these deadlines extreme, and the situation itself paradoxical, but stressed that it is Yerevan that makes the decision.

According to the head of Rosatom, there are actually only two full—fledged nuclear technologies in the world - American and Soviet, which later became Russian. The rest, as Likhachev noted, are their modifications.

"At a minimum, [Armenia] will have to retrain for completely different technologies. <...> They have the right to choose American technology, but this is in many ways a restructuring of the personnel training system and operational competencies," he explained.

Likhachev also questioned the readiness of American small modular reactors for practical use, noting that there is not a single such facility under construction in the world yet.

"Choosing based on presentation alone, in my opinion, is also not entirely masterly," the head of the Russian state corporation summed up.

EAEU or not: Armenia's rapprochement with the EU will reduce its exports by a third

What will the republic lose if ties with the Eurasian Economic Union weaken, and who will eventually pay for the break?

Earlier in the day, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Russia had warned Armenia about the possible suspension of agreements on gas and petroleum products supplies if the process of its accession to the European Union (EU) continues. A letter from the head of the Russian Ministry of Energy, Sergey Tsivilev, has been handed over to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of Armenia.

At the same time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that the residents of Armenia should independently make decisions about which association they consider it necessary to be a member of. He added that EU membership is far away for Yerevan. Peskov cited Turkey as an example, which, according to him, has been "holding a carrot" for many years. He added that membership in the association is becoming an "impossible dream" for many countries.