What's happened
Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remains a focal point amid ongoing conflict, with discussions of joint US-Russian control. Ukraine aims for US involvement, while Russia prepares to restart operations, risking safety. The plant's status is uncertain, with potential impacts on regional energy security.
What's behind the headline?
The future of Zaporizhzhia hinges on complex geopolitical negotiations and the ongoing conflict. The US's proposal for joint trilateral control aims to stabilize the plant and prevent nuclear disaster, but Russia's intentions to restart operations and use the plant for its own energy needs complicate the situation. The plant's strategic importance is heightened by Ukraine's energy deficit, which is roughly equivalent to four reactors' capacity, and the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure. If Ukraine regains control, it faces a multi-year process to assess and restore the plant, which has been heavily damaged. The risk of nuclear catastrophe remains high if fighting continues around the site, and the international community's focus on safety underscores the volatility of the situation. The next steps will likely involve intensified negotiations, with the potential for the plant to become a bargaining chip in broader peace efforts. The certainty that the plant could restart by mid-2027 if the conflict ends suggests a long road ahead, with regional stability dependent on diplomatic breakthroughs.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Zelenskiy discussed US proposals for joint control, with the US and Russia considering shared use of the plant. Reuters highlights that Russia expects to restart the plant by mid-2027 if the war concludes soon, emphasizing technical preparations underway. Both sources agree that the plant's future is uncertain, with ongoing risks and international concern over safety. The Independent notes Ukraine's condemnation of Russia's license to restart reactor No. 1 as illegal, while Reuters details the ongoing damage and power supply issues. The contrasting perspectives reflect the geopolitical tension: Ukraine seeks to regain control and ensure safety, while Russia aims to leverage the plant for its own energy needs amid the conflict.
How we got here
Russia seized the Zaporizhzhia plant in March 2022 during its invasion of Ukraine. Despite most nations recognizing Ukraine's ownership, Russia claims control and manages operations through Rosatom. The plant has six reactors, but only one remains operational, with shutdowns and damage caused by the conflict. Both sides accuse each other of strikes, and the plant relies on external power, which has been frequently interrupted, raising safety concerns. The US has proposed joint management, and Russia has considered using the plant to supply energy to southern Russia, with recent licenses issued for restarting reactors, provoking condemnation from Ukraine.
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