Russia threatens force as Armenia pivots toward EU and Russian nuclear deal

Unable to dissuade Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan from seeking EU accession, Russia has shifted to a more coercive approach. Security Council member Dmitry Medvedev warned that continued defiance could lead to a “new Ukraine” scenario, while Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev visited Yerevan to revive a contract for a VVER-1000 reactor, arguing it would solve Armenia’s looming electricity shortfall. The Kremlin has also restricted Armenian imports, despite a brief diplomatic overture, and maintains about 5,000 combat-ready troops near Gyumri and control over the country’s energy grid.

Pashinyan, who previously favored US-built small modular reactors, now echoed Likhachev’s assessment that Russian reactors may be more suitable for the nation’s digital-hub ambitions. EU Commissioner Marta Kos reiterated support for Armenia’s EU bid, while Russian officials denounced the US-backed TRIPP corridor as a Western foothold.