Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy of Ukraine has strongly condemned Russia’s illegal actions aimed at legitimizing the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant through the issuance of a so-called “license” to operate one of its power units.
The ministry stressed that the decision announced by Russia’s Rostekhnadzor in December 2025 is legally null and void and has no legal consequences whatsoever. Zaporizhzhia NPP remains under the exclusive jurisdiction of Ukraine, and the only competent nuclear regulatory authority on its territory is the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine. Any “permits” issued by the occupation administration or agencies of the aggressor state constitute a gross violation of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
According to the statement, Russia’s actions directly contradict UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/316, decisions of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the agency’s fundamental principles of nuclear safety and security. The ministry said Russia is deliberately using a civilian nuclear facility as a tool of military pressure, blackmail and destabilization.
The Energy Ministry also expressed serious concern over Russia’s claims about the alleged technical readiness of the power unit. It noted that following the loss of the Kakhovka reservoir, repeated external power outages caused by shelling, degradation of safety systems and the absence of qualified Ukrainian personnel, any attempt to restart reactor operations would be inherently irresponsible and pose a real risk of a nuclear accident with cross-border consequences.
The statement further emphasized that representatives of Russia’s state-owned corporation Rosatom are directly involved in the illegal management of the seized plant, effectively making the company part of the aggressor state’s military infrastructure.
Ukraine insists on the immediate and complete withdrawal of Russian troops and all unauthorized personnel from the Zaporizhzhia NPP and the city of Enerhodar, the return of the plant to full control of Ukraine’s lawful authorities, the continued cold shutdown of all power units until deoccupation, and stronger international sanctions against Russia’s nuclear sector.