Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko stressed the joint interest of the USA and Ukraine in regaining control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to activate its utilization for collaborative energy initiatives.

He highlighted that this nuclear station could serve as a key to new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the area of electricity export.

Moreover, he pointed out that Ukraine will require additional electricity for new projects that could be implemented in partnership with the United States. The demand for electricity is escalating, especially for the country’s restoration efforts, making this issue extremely relevant.

Galushchenko emphasized that the situation concerning the Zaporizhzhia NPP cannot remain as it is now, and it is utterly unacceptable.

He stated: "If we allow Russian forces to maintain control over the Zaporizhzhia NPP, even without its proper operation, it would be a disaster for everything the world has achieved in nuclear energy development."

Currently, we are discussing a global renaissance in the nuclear industry, but investments in this sector are only possible if no country can forcibly seize and control a nuclear station.

Galushchenko reiterated that illegal seizure of nuclear facilities cannot be tolerated.

During the discussion, he also noted that massive Russian attacks on energy infrastructure pose serious concerns for nuclear safety.

This applies not only to the currently disabled Zaporizhzhia NPP but also to three other stations that continue to operate in Ukraine.

Since August last year, more than 150 incidents have been recorded where Russian missiles or drones have flown near or over these stations.

Galushchenko pointed out that the Russians deliberately attack critical substations, which leads to emergency shutdowns of operational nuclear facilities.

This is a message we consistently convey in our draft resolutions to the IAEA, urging their experts to visit these substations.

Because, when we have an emergency shutdown of an operating block, we are just one step away from a Fukushima-like disaster, just one step from a nuclear incident.

Such actions are completely contrary to any nuclear safety standards.

It is important to note that the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that it finds it "inconceivable" to transfer control of the Zaporizhzhia NPP to Ukraine or any other country.

Background:

• The Trump administration is seeking new terms for US access to critical mineral resources and energy assets in Ukraine as part of advancing a peace agreement with Russia.
• US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the US could take over management of the nuclear power plant in Ukraine "without any issues" if a corresponding political decision is made.
• President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that the issue of ownership of the Zaporizhzhia NPP has not been discussed with the US, but it will not operate without Ukrainian control.
• The Russians occupied the Zaporizhzhia NPP on March 4, 2022, and since then, the occupiers have periodically shelled the facility, posing a threat of nuclear disaster.