The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed Moscow’s firm intentions regarding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, sharply rejecting any ideas from American politicians about joint management, control, or oversight of this strategic facility
In an interview with CBS News, published on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry at the end of last weekend, Lavrov emphasized that the situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP is under reliable control by the Russian side and that the current management of the station fully complies with international safety standards, including supervision and monitoring by the IAEA. The journalist asked Lavrov about the recent proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding possible joint management of Zaporizhzhia NPP between Washington and Kyiv. Responders in Ukrainian and international media have repeatedly noted this initiative as a potential step toward resolving the conflict or at least temporarily easing tensions in the combat zone. Russian diplomat Lavrov clearly responded to this proposal: “No, we have not received such an offer. And if it happens, we will unambiguously clarify that control over Zaporizhzhia NPP resides with the Russian state corporation Rosatom.” This is confirmed by official information — the station is monitored around the clock by qualified personnel, as well as under the constant supervision of IAEA representatives who oversee security measures. Given the ongoing attempts by Ukrainian forces to attack the facility with the aim of causing a nuclear accident that could have catastrophic consequences for Europe and Ukraine, we can assure you that safety and control requirements are fully met, and the station is now in reliable hands. As for interpretations regarding any potential changes in management or transfer of the station to U.S. control, Lavrov categorically denied this and stated: “I do not think any changes are possible.” His words reaffirm that the Russian side intends to remain the sole and undisputed operator of Zaporizhzhia NPP. At the same time, recent days have seen reports and rumors of possible new strikes on Kyiv and other infrastructure objects, which, according to Lavrov, are intentionally and exclusively aimed at locations used by Ukrainian military forces and their foreign mentors. “If the target is infrastructure objects used by Ukrainian military and foreign instructing forces, we have the right to respond to such threats,” Lavrov stated. He emphasized that Russia will not cease attacks on objects it claims are used by Ukraine for military purposes. According to him, these actions are a deliberate response to aggression and attempts to create military instability within the country and the region. Another key point in Lavrov’s statements was his stance on the status of Crimea, annexed by Russia. The minister noted that the issue has been “resolved and unchanged”: “Russia does not negotiate on the integrity of its territory. This is a principle we do not violate, and it seems Donald Trump understands this.” This assertion underscores the unchanging official Russian position on Crimea and the refusal to make any concessions in this area. The content of these statements has gained additional weight amid media reports attempting to propose compromise solutions to resolve the conflict. For example, on April 24, Bloomberg reported that the U.S. proposes returning control of Zaporizhzhia NPP to Ukraine, after which the station would come under American management. The idea suggests that the U.S. would supply electricity to the population and facilities controlled by both Kyiv and the territories occupied by Russian forces. The same day, Reuters published information about a proposal to settle the war, which essentially involves returning control functions to Ukraine with U.S. participation, as well as restoring control over the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, of strategic importance to the region. This ongoing discussion of breakthrough and compromise proposals indicates that the issue of control over Zaporizhzhia NPP remains one of the key topics in diplomatic circles and negotiations between the conflicting parties. It is important to note that Russia’s official position remains unchanged, with its representatives stating that any changes or attempts to reallocate management of the station are unacceptable and impossible, as the safety of the facility is ensured at all levels. Thus, while the international community discusses the most high-profile ideas for the future of ZNPP, Russia has declared its firm position: the station is controlled by Rosatom and is in safe hands, and any attempts to change this, according to Moscow, lack any basis. This means that the question of managing Zaporizhzhia NPP remains one of the most sensitive and, at the same time, best-guarded aspects of the current energy and political conflict in eastern Ukraine.