Mikhail Galuzin on absence of alternatives to Russian nuclear projects for Armenia

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told Izvestia that there are no real alternatives to Russian proposals for the construction of a new power unit at Armenia’s nuclear power plant.

“We have handed over to the Armenian side a package of thoroughly developed proposals. Rosatom is ready to begin implementing the project as soon as possible, naturally taking into account the wishes of our Armenian friends. In terms of reliable, already proven technologies, as well as attractive financial parameters—including construction, further operation, and the need for training and retraining of specialists—no real alternatives are visible,” Galuzin emphasized.

According to Galuzin, Moscow intends to continue acting as a guarantor of Armenia’s energy security.

“We, for our part, intend to continue to responsibly fulfill our role as guarantor of Armenia’s energy security and to contribute to the development of the republic’s nuclear industry. As the experience of some European countries shows, including such giants as Germany, abandoning nuclear energy can prove very costly for the national economy,” he added.

Russia and Armenia have a rich history of cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy, Galuzin said.

“Our nuclear specialists come from the same Soviet ‘school’ and understand each other well. At present, our experts are carrying out a set of works to ensure that the plant can operate stably and efficiently until 2036. We are confident that with active support from Yerevan, all measures will be completed on time,” he noted.