Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko emphasized that Ukraine shares a strategic interest with the United States in returning the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant under Ukrainian control

Chas Pravdy - 17 April 2025 21:15

In an interview during a discussion at the important international platform — the Atlantic Council — he highlighted that restoring Ukrainian leadership over ZNPP would be a key step in ensuring the country's sustainable energy sovereignty and for broad cooperation in the energy sector. According to Halushchenko, returning the station to Ukrainian ownership will open new opportunities for cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S., particularly in terms of electricity exports. The Minister stressed that Ukraine critically needs additional electricity to support large-scale economic recovery and cover civilian infrastructure needs. Based on this, he called on international partners to actively support the return of ZNPP to Ukrainian control, noting that without it, Ukraine will be unable to fully implement its energy projects and rebuild the country. Halushchenko clearly stated that the situation around Zaporizhzhia NPP is unacceptable in its current state. "Allowing the Russians to leave the station under their control, even without its restoration, could have catastrophic consequences not only for Ukraine but also for global nuclear security. It would deal a serious blow to all achievements in peaceful atom development," he said, emphasizing that the world must show a firm stance: no attempts at forceful takeover of nuclear facilities should be allowed, as this undermines trust in the integrity and safety of the nuclear industry. The Minister of Energy expressed particular concern about Russia's efforts through massive attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities. He noted that since August 2022, the number of incidents involving Russian missile and drone strikes near critical energy infrastructure has exceeded 150 cases. This causes not only infrastructure destruction but also creates a real nuclear safety threat — as the risk of accidents constantly increases during such attacks. "Russia deliberately targets substations critical to the energy system," Halushchenko remarked. "This is not just provocations but a conscious strategy to weaken our energy security. Such actions contribute to equipment failures, and in the worst-case scenario, could lead to a repeat of a tragedy like Fukushima. This violates all international standards and safety norms in the nuclear industry, and we strongly call on global institutions to respond to these threats." The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stated that it has no intention of transferring control over Zaporizhzhia NPP to Ukraine or any other state. However, the situation remains tense, as the occupation of the station by Russia since early March 2022 threatens a major nuclear catastrophe. Amid the ongoing war, Russian occupiers periodically target infrastructure objects to create further destabilization, while their personnel are there as illegal personnel. Differences in views on the future of ZNPP are actively discussed not only at the Ukraine-Russia level but also within diplomatic circles in the U.S. American policymakers and energy sector leaders indicate that transferring the station under Ukrainian control, with the consent of both sides, could be a decisive step in ensuring peace and stability in the region. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wirt (likely a typo for “Wright”) also articulated that the U.S. could swiftly assume management of the station if a corresponding political decision is made. At the same time, Kyiv emphasizes that the issue of ownership and control over Zaporizhzhia NPP directly affects Ukraine’s energy security and future sovereignty. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the issue of returning the station under Ukrainian control has not yet been discussed with American colleagues, but one thing is clear: without direct Ukrainian leadership, the operation of the plant is risky and potentially dangerous for the entire world. While discussions continue, the situation around ZNPP remains tense and unpredictable. Russia continues to hold the strategically significant facility under its control, threatening Ukraine's security and that of the entire world. The global community calls for active diplomatic efforts and maximum assistance in returning the site under Ukrainian authority to prevent new humanitarian and technological disasters with potentially devastating consequences for humanity as a whole.

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