Putin’s statement on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant reveals Russian weakness – there is no future for Russian illegal occupation

2 September, Kyiv

Russian President Putin has made a statement that Moscow is ready to consider establishing cooperation with Washington and Kyiv on issues relating to the Zaporozhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Putin noted that discussions had already been held with the United States and that, “We have a strong record of cooperation with foreign partners, including with European partners. This in particular concerns our joint work in Hungary.”

As Greenpeace we are strongly convinced that Putin’s statement on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant reveals Russian weakness. 

“It might just be that the Kremlin is starting to understand that they have no future at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. More than three years after Putin ordered the criminal attack and occupation of the plant the result is a terrorized local population, and a nuclear plant with uniquely dangerous safety and security risks. The water supply for the plant is in crisis as a result of the Russian destruction of the Kakhovka dam and reservoir and there is currently only one electricity line out of 10 remains connected to the plant. Russia’s occupation has only brought death and destruction. Plans by Rosatom, the Russian State Nuclear Corporation, to restart the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant must not be permitted to proceed – there is no legal basis for such operations, as well as unprecedented safety and security issues. The idea that there should be a partnership with the criminals at Rosatom and in the Kremlin to operate the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant together with the United States and Ukraine is madness. 

It is a total disregard for the war crimes perpetrated by Russia in its attack and occupation of the plant and the suffering of Ukrainian workers and families in Enerhodar. The IAEA also needs to hear this message – there can be no role for Russia in the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. What we need to hear are the Russian plans to end their criminal occupation of the nuclear plant.” said Shaun Burnie, senior nuclear specialist Greenpeace Ukraine.

Photo Ralf1969, CC BY-SA 3.0