Armenia may get so carried away that it will be left without electricity at all — Andrei Listovsky

 
Speaking with Alpha News, Director of Russia’s Energy Development Fund Andrei Listovsky commented on the meeting of Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan with the managing director of Westinghouse Electric Sweden.

“I do not believe this meeting has any legal consequences. They met, talked, and parted ways. Speaking of Armenia’s lean toward the European Union, well, yes, something is happening there in Armenia, and the Russian government does not like it. But since it is a sovereign state, we do not particularly interfere. We are closely monitoring the situation with the entire nuclear industry, which is one power unit. It is not in Russia’s interests to lose nuclear energy cooperation with Armenia. Therefore, we will probably plan some measures to ensure that Armenia does not go to the European Union for nuclear technologies and remains in the orbit of Russia,” Listovsky said.

According to the expert, Armenia will not be able to develop its nuclear industry by itself.

“First of all, Armenia does not have the money to pivot in nuclear industry, so obviously, and no one will give it this money because nuclear technologies are a very expensive pleasure. Armenia is a small country that physically cannot develop its own nuclear industry. Rosatom is engaged in the operation and supply of fuel to the nuclear power plant, which is located on the territory of Armenia, and Armenia simply receives ready-made electricity. Any promises that the entire financial burden will pass to the European Union or the United States are just empty words, Russia believes. Moreover, this poses a threat to the energy security of Armenia itself. Armenia may get so carried away that it will be left without electricity at all,” Listovsky concluded.