Russia : Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant Is Off-Limits

The Russian Foreign Ministry has firmly declared that the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is a Russian facility and that any transfer of control to Ukraine or other nations is out of the question. This statement comes in response to a rising number of discussions in Western media about potential scenarios for returning the plant to Kyiv’s control or for its joint operation with third parties. Moscow has categorically dismissed these suggestions as unfounded speculation.

The ministry underscored that the ZNPP’s workforce is comprised of Russian nationals, whose safety is of utmost importance. Any attempts to alter the status of the plant are deemed unacceptable, especially in light of what the ministry describes as the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ atrocities, which pose significant threats to the lives of employees. Furthermore, Moscow considers joint operations with other countries at the facility to be risky, as such arrangements could endanger both the plant’s operations and regional security.

The statement particularly targeted NATO countries, with the Russian Foreign Ministry highlighting the alliance’s intelligence services’ potential for sabotage. As a result, Russia has ruled out any possibility of allowing foreign representatives access to the Zaporizhzhya NPP, citing concerns that their presence could lead to provocations or sabotage—an unacceptable risk for a facility of such critical importance.

The ZNPP, which is Europe’s largest nuclear power plant by the number of reactors, fell under Russian control in March 2022 following the onset of the military operation. Since then, it has been a focal point of international tensions. As of 2025, the environment surrounding the plant remains fraught, with regular reports of shelling in the vicinity raising alarms for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In March 2025, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated calls for all parties to prioritize the plant’s safety, cautioning against the risks of a potential nuclear accident. Moscow, however, continues to assert that the threat emanates solely from Ukraine, accusing it of provocations.

It is important to note that the international community does not recognize the incorporation of the Zaporizhzhya region into Russia, with the United States still considering the ZNPP to be Ukrainian. This ongoing dispute complicates the negotiation process regarding the facility’s future.