Table of Contents

ZAPORIZHZHIA.N.P.P

Introduction

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, once supplying about 20% of the country’s electricity, has been under Russian control since early in the war. The US has proposed assisting in restoring and operating the plant, but nuclear experts question how feasible this would be. The facility is in an active war zone, making it nearly impossible to run safely. There are also technical and political challenges that complicate the idea.

This article explores the challenges of restoring Zaporizhzhia, the US proposal, Ukraine’s stance, and whether international efforts could help bring the plant back into operation.

The US Proposal

Recently, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed Ukraine’s energy crisis in a phone call. According to the US readout, Trump suggested that American ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear plants, including Zaporizhzhia, could ensure their security. He claimed the US had the expertise to run the facility safely.

However, Zelensky later denied that ownership was discussed. He clarified that while Ukraine is open to investment in restoring the plant, all nuclear power facilities remain the property of the Ukrainian state. The conflicting statements raised concerns over the practicality of US involvement in Zaporizhzhia.

Challenges in Restoring Zaporizhzhia

1. The War Zone Problem

One of the biggest challenges in reviving Zaporizhzhia is its location. The plant is in Russian-occupied territory and has suffered damage from ongoing attacks. Ukraine accuses Russian forces of deliberately targeting infrastructure to weaken the country’s energy supply.

Even if the plant is repaired, its safety cannot be guaranteed as long as the war continues. Nuclear plants require stability to operate, and the risk of attacks makes it difficult to ensure the facility’s protection.

2. Technical Barriers

Operating a nuclear plant is a highly complex task that requires a constant power supply, access to cooling water, and trained staff. Experts have pointed out that the US has no experience running the Soviet-designed VVER reactors used at Zaporizhzhia.

Edwin Lyman, a nuclear safety specialist, explained that simply placing the plant under US control does not eliminate risks. The facility needs proper maintenance, and without a secure environment, operating it would be dangerous.

3. Staffing and Expertise

The plant is currently staffed by Ukrainian workers who are under Russian control. These workers have faced threats and difficult working conditions. If the US were to take over operations, it would need to rely on the same workers or train new ones—both of which pose challenges.

Additionally, nuclear plants operate under strict safety regulations. Bringing in American specialists would require extensive training and adaptation to unfamiliar Soviet-era technology.

4. Political and Legal Issues

If the US were to own or operate a Ukrainian nuclear plant, it would raise serious legal and diplomatic questions. Would the US be liable for accidents? Would this move escalate tensions with Russia?

Russia may see US involvement as a direct provocation, increasing the risk of further military action. Given the complexity of international nuclear agreements, transferring control of the plant to a foreign country is not a straightforward process.

Ukraine’s Position

Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine is willing to accept American investment to modernize Zaporizhzhia but will not give up ownership. He emphasized that the plant cannot be restored while under Russian occupation.

“If you just hand over the station, and a meter away, everything is occupied or there are Russian weapons, no one will work like that,” Zelensky said.

His statement highlights the core issue: without control over the surrounding territory, restoring the plant would be pointless. Ukraine believes that regaining full sovereignty over the area is necessary before rebuilding efforts can begin.

The Future of Zaporizhzhia

At present, the situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant remains uncertain. Experts believe that any restoration efforts will take years and require international agreements.

To make the plant operational again, several steps must be taken:

Securing the area: A ceasefire or agreement to protect the plant is necessary.
Rebuilding infrastructure: The plant needs a stable power supply and cooling systems.
Ensuring safety: Proper maintenance and monitoring must be in place to prevent nuclear risks.
Resolving ownership issues: Ukraine insists on maintaining control, while the US is pushing for involvement.

Until these issues are addressed, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant will remain inactive, posing a challenge to Ukraine’s energy security.

Conclusion

The US proposal to restore and operate Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant faces major obstacles. The war makes it unsafe to run, technical challenges complicate US involvement, and political issues raise concerns about control and liability.

While Ukraine welcomes investment, it insists that ownership remains in its hands. Without stability in the region, the future of Zaporizhzhia remains uncertain. For now, restoring the plant is not just a technical challenge but a geopolitical one.