Zaporizhzhia plant: A pivotal issue in Russia-USA talks
In the context of ongoing negotiations between Russia and the USA, the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains a key topic. "It's hard to imagine the operation of this plant if the area belonged to Russia," emphasizes Wojciech Jakóbik, an energy expert.
Steven Witkoff, the special advisor to former President Donald Trump on Middle East affairs, arrived in Moscow on Thursday. His visit follows talks between Americans and Ukrainians in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Witkoff has already met with Vladimir Putin in the Russian capital ahead of a phone conversation between the Russian leader and Donald Trump. The call, scheduled for later Friday, will discuss negotiations regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine.
During the negotiations, one of the topics discussed is the future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently occupied by Russian forces, as mentioned by Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday.
"Ukraine stabilized its entire energy system using nuclear reactors, which accounted for one-third of the energy produced in the country before the invasion. Most importantly, they provided stability to electricity supplies, operating consistently regardless of weather conditions. For the same reasons, Poles want to build a nuclear power plant," explains Wojciech Jakóbik.
"This facility, being the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, was seized by Russian forces on March 4, 2022, and has remained under their control ever since," Jakóbik recalls, highlighting the scale of threats arising from this situation.
The Russians attacked the facility, threatening nuclear safety. He notes that the people working on-site are doing so under duress. The expert explains that preparations are being made to connect this plant to the Russian grid. "It would constitute the theft of the largest nuclear power plant by the Russians," he notes.
Key element of international talks
What could happen to the plant in such a situation? The interlocutor emphasizes that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has become a significant point of international negotiations, as its future directly impacts Ukraine's ability to rebuild its economy and integrate with Europe.
"Therefore, its future is an important element of the talks. Without it, Ukraine's power system would be weaker, making it more difficult for them to move west, integrate with Europe, and generate income. It is also an important economic issue involving regulations, standards, and international conventions," he points out.
Russian actions in taking over energy infrastructure are not new. Jakóbik points to similar past actions.
"The Russians violated all security standards by occupying these power plants. They have no right to ownership, and a just resolution to the conflict should involve the return of seized facilities like the hydrocarbon installations in Crimea. The Russians similarly appropriated assets of the Ukrainian Naftogaz in 2014. With the illegal annexation of Crimea, they took over the company's assets, cutting Ukrainians off from existing and potential sources of gas and energy, and squandering opportunities for developing the shale sector in Ukraine. All of this, of course, violates international law," he notes.
The expert also discusses potential solutions for the plant's future, including a "frozen conflict" scenario similar to those in places like Transnistria.
"The Russians continue to create a fictional impression that Zaporizhzhia is controlled by some regional forces that are not Russian but are rebellious against Ukraine. This situation also provides an opportunity for discussions about hybrid solutions, where Zaporizhzhia, as a region, would still be recognized as part of Ukraine. Still, puppet authorities controlled by Russians would rule there."
"Examples of such frozen conflicts include Transnistria, which also supplies energy to Moldova, although Russians effectively control it," he notes.
The return of the power plant to Ukraine would also have to be tied to a broader agreement on the return of Zaporizhzhia. "It's difficult to imagine the operation of this power plant if the area belonged to Russia," Jakóbik points out.
And what if the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant doesn’t return to Ukraine?
"There will be one less power plant available to stabilize the grid. And it's the largest one. However, it's not as if Ukraine can't manage. The silver lining is that the country's economy is approximately a third smaller, so the energy demand will also be reduced. However, the plant in Zaporizhzhia is a symbol. It is also an important topic from the perspective of international law, which does not allow the annexation of another country's territory or assets without consequences," he emphasizes.
