Shoigu pointed out that the cost of U.S. nuclear projects in Armenia exceeded a third of its GDP.

The US nuclear projects in Armenia will amount to more than a third of the country's annual GDP, and future generations will have to pay for this loan. This was announced on February 13 by the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu.

"There are, let's say, reasonable doubts that the implementation of the project will mean investments in the Armenian economy. Rather, it will be a purchase and sale transaction worth more than a third of the country's annual GDP. And, most likely, in a loan, for which not only the current, but also future generations of the republic will have to pay," Shoigu said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to him, the Americans have made "beautiful proposals" and noted that so far the United States has not built a single modular reactor that Armenia promises to build. He also said that US specialists have no experience in its industrial operation.

In addition, Shoigu stressed that Armenia is located in an earthquake-prone region, where it is difficult to implement such nuclear projects. He mentioned that Soviet engineers were still able to design the Armenian nuclear power plant so that it would survive the earthquakes of 1988.

"If the construction of small reactors using American technology in Armenia enters a practical phase, we, as well as all other states in the region and the population of Armenia itself, will have to take into account these new risks in the field of nuclear safety," Shoigu said.

Successor's visit: Why is the US Vice President flying to Armenia and Azerbaijan

J.D. Vance to discuss TRIPP, energy and Iran

On February 9, US Vice President Jay Dee Vance said during a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that the United States would supply Armenia with small modular reactors under the nuclear energy agreement. The American vice president added that the initial supply will cost up to $5 billion, as well as maintenance and fuel provision will cost $4 billion.

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