Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant De-Occupation to Be Discussed in First Ukraine-Russia Talks, Zelenskyy Says

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on February 6, that the issue of liberating the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant through diplomatic means will be addressed in the first formal meeting between Ukraine and Russia.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, following a visit from Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need to restore Ukrainian control over the plant.

“Today, this nuclear power plant is not operational because there is no fair and professional Ukrainian management. It is not functioning, it is deteriorating, and it is extremely dangerous. In any case, the issue of Zaporizhzhia will be raised during the first diplomatic talks between the parties,” Zelenskyy stated.

During his meeting with Grossi, Zelenskyy also revealed that Russia has taken two Ukrainian energy workers hostage at the Zaporizhzhia plant.

“There is news—I had a briefing with [President of Energoatom ] Petro Kotin. Russia has taken two energy workers hostage. They were imprisoned simply for having Ukrainian content on their phones. It is crucial for us to bring them back,” Zelenskyy said.

President Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude for the IAEA Director General’s support of Ukraine’s strategy to complete the construction of additional reactor units at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant.

“The completion of this project is key to Ukraine’s energy independence and regional energy stability, and it is crucial that members of Parliament support this initiative,” Zelenskyy emphasized.

Previously, it was reported that a Russian drone attacked a service vehicle of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the way to the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.