Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Alexey Shevtsov’s claim that an artificial intelligence centre in Armenia could threaten Russia and Armenia’s neighbours effectively closes the discussion of a Russian-built nuclear plant. Political analyst Ruben Mehrabyan expressed this view while discussing Armenia’s energy infrastructure and prospects for new investment projects.
According to Mehrabyan, Shevtsov said the Firebird AI centre could be used by the United States for espionage. Firebird AI responded with a denial. The company challenged the basis of the claims, saying they reflected a misunderstanding of the centre’s operations and technological characteristics.
Armenia’s new nuclear plant and AI centres’ electricity needs
The political analyst believes the statement also matters for Armenia’s energy future. He recalled that large artificial intelligence centres require substantial amounts of electricity. Prospects for developing such infrastructure in Armenia are also linked to international investment, including potential investment projects by Amazon.
According to Mehrabyan, if Russia considers the construction of an AI centre in Armenia a threat, this raises questions about its simultaneous offer to build a new nuclear plant. Supplying electricity to that centre could conflict with Russia’s own stated security concerns.
“If such a facility is considered a threat, suppose the nuclear plant is built: would it not supply electricity to that centre? How, then, would it be built?” the analyst asked.
In his assessment, the statement also undermines speculation that Armenia could consider Russia’s nuclear plant proposal in exchange for other assets or rights. Mehrabyan described such scenarios as speculation belonging to the genre of unscientific fiction.
The decision must consider Armenia’s long-term objectives
The analyst also recalled that Armenia has allowed itself until the end of next year to make and announce a final decision on the new nuclear plant. According to him, this period should be used to assess the economic and technical feasibility of the proposals. Their compatibility with Armenia’s long-term energy and economic development objectives must also be considered.
👉 Politics