Moscow Considers Claims About Metsamor NPP an Attempt to Create Division: Zakharova

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that such information leaks or attacks are seen as attempts to introduce division in Armenian-Russian cooperation in this sector and hinder the development of initiatives involving Russia.

According to her, these allegations also seem to support genuinely destructive Western programs and technologies for the region, which, including in terms of security, significantly lag behind the Russian counterpart.

The Russian diplomat noted that the Metsamor nuclear power plant plays a system-forming role in the country's energy system and produces about 30% of the electricity. Zakharova emphasized that the stable production of affordable electricity allows Armenia to develop its industry and ensure technological advancement for many years.

She added that in the modern world, especially against the backdrop of unsuccessful attempts by several European countries to transition to renewable energy sources, peaceful nuclear energy is a factor of energy security and sovereignty, and the closure of its own nuclear power plant would only strengthen the country's energy dependence on other nations.

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted that the reliability of the plant is also confirmed by the IAEA. She recalled that Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the Agency, who visited the plant in October 2022, "acknowledged that all measures have been taken to enhance nuclear and physical security." Zakharova also noted that currently, Russian and Armenian specialists are jointly implementing a set of measures aimed at doubling the service life of the plant, extending it to 2036.