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Comment of the MFA on Putin's statements about the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

02 September 2025 20:04

In response to Putin's proposals, we emphasise that theft does not confer ownership rights. A thief must return what he has stolen and bear responsibility, rather than offering it to someone else for rent.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been under the illegal occupation of the Russian Federation's armed forces for more than three years. This is a gross violation of international law, which has caused unprecedented threats to the nuclear safety of Ukraine, Europe and the world.

After seizing the plant, the Russian occupiers turned it into a military base, damaged its infrastructure and normal functioning, and resorted to pressure, threats and even the capture of ZNPP employees.

The Russian state corporation Rosatom is responsible for the occupation and operation of the captured plant. Its representatives are constantly present at this important facility of Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure, interfering in technical processes and putting pressure on Ukrainian specialists. Russia has deprived the IAEA mission (ISAMZ) of the ability to obtain meaningful information about the situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

The only way to restore nuclear safety is the immediate and complete withdrawal of Russian military and other personnel from the Zaporizhzhia NPP site, its full international monitoring, and its return to Ukraine's full control. Only such steps can mitigate the risks of a nuclear incident and ensure the safe operation of the plant.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is and will remain an integral part of Ukraine's sovereign territory. Any attempts by Russia to question this fact are legally null and void as well as politically futile. Ukraine will never agree to the legalisation of the occupation, and the international community must intensify its joint efforts to restore Ukraine's legitimate control over the plant.