Russia on Tuesday firmly rejected any possibility of transferring control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) to Ukraine or any other country, calling such a move “impossible.” The statement comes after a phone call last week between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which they discussed Ukraine’s energy situation and nuclear infrastructure. Trump suggested that American expertise and potential ownership could help safeguard the plant, though Zelenskyy later clarified that ownership was not part of their discussion.
The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the ZNPP is a “Russian nuclear facility,” and stated that its transfer to Ukraine or any other entity is not up for negotiation. The ministry also ruled out joint operation of the plant, including involvement from international organizations, citing security risks and the absence of such precedents globally. The statement further accused Ukraine of committing atrocities and warned against any involvement of NATO-linked intelligence agencies in the plant’s operations.
Concerns over a potential nuclear disaster at the ZNPP remain high, as both Russia and Ukraine continue to trade accusations of attacks near the facility. Since March 2022, the plant has been under Russian control, with personnel from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring the site since September 2022.
