Sergei Shoigu spoke about nuclear security threats posed by Armenia's cooperation with the United States
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu expressed concern about US plans to build modular nuclear reactors in Armenia. He believes the project will create new nuclear security threats for the entire region.
Shoigu added that the US has "very attractive business proposals," but has yet to build a single modular reactor. He also suggested that the project's financing would likely be structured as a loan, the burden of which would fall on current and future generations in Armenia.
"Russia, with its long-standing experience of nuclear cooperation with Armenia, hopes for rational decision-making by the Armenian leadership, based on national interests," the Security Council Secretary noted.
As a reminder, during US Vice President J.D. Vance's visit to Armenia, an agreement on cooperation in civil nuclear energy was signed, providing for the introduction of US small modular reactors (SMRs) worth $9 billion. Of this, 5 billion is intended for equipment, and 4 billion for long-term fuel and maintenance contracts.
Yesterday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova issued a statement discussing the financial aspects of this agreement. According to her, this does not involve direct US investment, but rather a mechanism under which Armenia will bear the costs. Financing was expected to be organized through the TRIPP fund, but the diplomat noted that it has not yet been established.
