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Russia Signals Openness to US Role at Zaporizhzhia Plant Following Lavrov’s Firm Stance on Keeping Control

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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Russia Signals Openness to US Role at Zaporizhzhia Plant Following Lavrov’s Firm Stance on Keeping Control
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant seen across the dried Kakhovka reservoir near Nikopol, weeks after Russia destroyed the dam, exposing the former lakebed. (Source: Getty Images)

Russia is prepared to discuss the potential presence of US personnel at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as part of a broader political settlement, according to Interfax, citing the head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom.

Alexei Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, made the statement on April 30 in response to questions from Russian media. “If a political decision is made by the country’s leadership, we are ready to discuss this with the American side,” he said.

Previous statements by senior Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, had categorically ruled out any transfer of control of the Zaporizhzhia plant to either Ukraine or a neutral third party.

The facility, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, was seized by Russian forces in March 2022 during the early stages of the full-scale invasion. Since then, international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have raised ongoing concerns about safety and security at the site.

Earlier, on March 21, US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated that the United States could take control of a nuclear power plant in Ukraine “with very little problem” if the appropriate political decision were made.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Wright emphasized America’s nuclear expertise and noted that, while no discussions about purchasing the Zaporizhzhia plant had taken place, the US was ready to contribute expert personnel.

His remarks followed a March 19 statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested that American ownership would offer the best protection for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later responded, affirming that Ukraine’s nuclear plants remain public assets but welcomed potential US support in reclaiming and modernizing the occupied facility.

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