Ukraine's Energy Ministry comments on Russia's statement about "licensing" power unit at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

Any attempts by Russia to resume operation of the reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) pose a real threat of a nuclear accident. Statements by the Russian side claiming the technical readiness of a power unit to operate are a cause for concern.

Source: Ukraine's Ministry of Energy

Quote: "The Ministry of Energy strongly condemns the illegal actions of the Russian Federation once again attempting to legitimise the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by issuing a so-called 'licence' for the operation of one of its power units."

Details: The decision announced by the Russian body Rostekhnadzor in December 2025 is legally null and void and creates no legal consequences, the ministry states.

The Zaporizhzhia NPP is under the exclusive jurisdiction of Ukraine, and the only competent nuclear regulatory authority on its territory remains the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine.

"Any 'authorisation documents' issued by the occupation administration or by structures of the aggressor state [Russia – ed.] constitute a gross violation of international law and Ukraine's sovereignty," the statement says.

Such actions directly contradict UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/316, decisions of the IAEA Board of Governors and the Agency's fundamental principles of nuclear safety and security.

Particular concern is caused by the Russian statements about alleged technical readiness of the power unit to operate, the Ministry of Energy says.

"Considering the loss of the Kakhovka reservoir, systematic disruptions of external power supply due to bombardments, degradation of safety systems and the absence of qualified Ukrainian personnel, any attempts to resume operation of the reactors are deliberately irresponsible and create a real threat of a nuclear accident with transboundary consequences," the statement says.

Such actions show signs of nuclear terrorism and grossly violate the IAEA's Seven Indispensable Pillars of Nuclear Safety and Security, the ministry states.

The Ministry of Energy emphasises that representatives of the Russian state corporation Rosatom are directly involved in the illegal management of the seized plant; the corporation has effectively become part of Russia's military infrastructure and bears responsibility for creating threats to global nuclear security.

Ukraine insists on the immediate and complete withdrawal of Russian troops and all unauthorised personnel from the territory of the plant and the city of Enerhodar, the return of the plant to full control by Ukraine's lawful and competent authorities, as well as the unconditional maintenance of all ZNPP power units in cold shutdown mode until its liberation.

Ukraine demands further strengthening of international sanctions pressure on Russia's nuclear sector, including the state corporation Rosatom and officials of Rostekhnadzor who are directly involved in the illegal licensing and management of the seized nuclear power plant.

The Ministry of Energy calls on the international community, the IAEA and partner states to provide a principled and clear assessment of these unlawful actions by the Russian Federation and to increase pressure on Russia in order to prevent a nuclear catastrophe.

Background:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that during ceasefire talks there has been no consensus on the issue of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, but if the plant remains under Russian control, it will not operate.
• Earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that without the restoration of the Kakhovka dam, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant will not operate, and that restoration would require €2 billion.

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