The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine strongly condemns the illegal actions of the Russian Federation aimed at yet another attempt to legitimize the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant through the issuance of a so-called “license” for the operation of one of its power units.
The decision announced by the Russian authority “Rostekhnadzor” in December 2025 is legally null and void and produces no legal consequences. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant falls 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 “permits” issued by the occupation administration or by institutions of the aggressor state constitute a gross violation of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Such actions by the Russian Federation directly contradict United Nations 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. They further confirm Russia’s deliberate strategy of using a civilian nuclear facility as an instrument of military pressure, blackmail, and destabilization.
Particular concern is raised by statements from the Russian side regarding the alleged technical readiness of the power unit for operation. Under conditions of the loss of the Kakhovka Reservoir, systematic disruptions to external power supply caused by shelling, degradation of safety systems, and the absence of qualified Ukrainian personnel, any attempts to resume reactor operation are knowingly irresponsible and pose a real risk of a nuclear accident with transboundary consequences. Such actions bear the hallmarks of nuclear terrorism and constitute a gross violation of the IAEA’s “seven indispensable pillars” of nuclear safety and security.
The Ministry of Energy emphasizes that representatives of the Russian state corporation Rosatom are directly involved in the illegal management of the seized plant. Rosatom has effectively become part of the military infrastructure of the aggressor state and bears responsibility for creating threats to global nuclear safety.
Ukraine insists on the immediate and complete withdrawal of Russian troops and all unauthorized personnel from the territory of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the city of Enerhodar, the return of the plant under the full control of Ukraine’s lawful and competent authorities, and the unconditional maintenance of all ZNPP power units in a “cold shutdown” mode until de-occupation. Ukraine demands further strengthening of international sanctions pressure on the Russian nuclear sector, including the state corporation Rosatom and officials of Rostekhnadzor directly involved in the illegal licensing and management of the seized nuclear power plant.
The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine 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 the aggressor state in order to prevent a nuclear catastrophe.
