Russia 'licenses' Zaporizhzhia NPP power unit: Ukraine warns of threat of nuclear accident
Illustrative photo: The Ministry of Energy warns of the threat of a nuclear catastrophe at the ZNPP (Getty Images)
The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine condemns Russia's illegal "licensing" of a power unit at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Such actions pose a real threat to nuclear safety and violate international law, according to a statement from the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Energy firmly rejects Russia’s attempt to legitimize the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) by issuing a "license" to operate one of its power units.
"The decision of Rostekhnadzor (Russian Federal Service for Ecological, Technological, and Nuclear Supervision) is legally null and void and has no legal consequences. The Zaporizhzhia NPP is under the exclusive jurisdiction of Ukraine, and the only competent nuclear regulatory authority remains the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine," the Ministry of Energy said.
"Permits" issued by the occupation administration or Russian entities grossly violate international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty. Such actions contravene UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/316, decisions of the IAEA Board of Governors, and the agency’s nuclear safety principles.
Russia’s statements claiming the power unit is ready for operation are of particular concern.
"Given the loss of the Kakhovka Reservoir, ongoing shelling, power supply disruptions, degradation of safety systems, and the absence of qualified personnel, any attempts to restart reactors are deliberately irresponsible and could lead to a nuclear accident with cross-border consequences," the Ministry stressed.
Energy officials also note that Russia’s state corporation Rosatom is involved in the illegal management and has become part of Russia’s military infrastructure.
Ukraine demands the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and personnel, the return of the plant to Ukrainian control, and the maintenance of the power units in cold shutdown.
The statement emphasizes the need to focus on strengthening international sanctions against Rosatom (Russia's state-owned nuclear energy corporation) and officials of Rostekhnadzor.
The Ministry of Energy calls on the international community and the IAEA to provide a clear assessment of Russia’s actions and increase pressure to prevent a nuclear catastrophe.
Situation at the ZNPP
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. Since then, Russia has repeatedly attempted to legitimize its control over the plant, disregarding international law.
The latest actions by Rostekhnadzor represent a new round of nuclear blackmail, escalating the threat to the region and the world.
As part of peace initiatives, the United States has proposed joint management of the Zaporizhzhia NPP involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy considers such a format unfair.
Earlier, we reported that on November 19, Ukraine restored power supply to the occupied ZNPP after a line was damaged by Russian shelling. Prior to that, the plant had completely lost power ten times.
On December 6, the ZNPP was again left without external power. At present, the plant is connected to only one external power transmission line, which continues to pose safety risks.
