Russia has invited the US-based Westinghouse Electric Corporation to hold talks on the issue of nuclear fuel stored at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which remains under Russian control. The move comes as tensions continue over the future of the facility and its safety.

Russia Seeks Dialogue

Alexei Likhachev, the head of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation, announced the invitation. He said that Westinghouse and US energy officials had earlier expressed concerns about intellectual property linked to the nuclear fuel stored at the plant.

Earlier this year, Moscow urged the UN nuclear watchdog to mediate a meeting between Russia and the US to resolve the matter. The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has been a focal point of disputes since Russian forces captured it in 2022.

Putin Signals Willingness to Talk

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is open to discussing the situation at the plant with both the US and Ukraine.
“We have a strong record of cooperation with foreign partners, including with European partners. This in particular concerns our joint work in Hungary,” Putin stated, highlighting past collaborations.

Although the plant remains under Russian control, it has stopped generating electricity. This has raised fears about the safety and maintenance of the stored nuclear fuel.

Ukraine Rejects Russia’s Moves

Meanwhile, Ukraine strongly condemned Russia’s actions, accusing Moscow of trying to legitimise its occupation.
“The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is and will remain an integral part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine. Any attempts by Russia to question this fact are legally null and void and politically pointless,” Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry declared.

The ministry stressed that the only way to ensure nuclear safety is for Russian forces and personnel to withdraw completely from the facility.

Ukraine Warns of Dangerous Conditions

Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy also raised concerns about the plant’s safety.
“Since taking military control of the ZNPP, Russia has caused systemic, critically dangerous disruptions to the plant’s operation,” the ministry warned.

It described the current conditions as “highly unstable and unprecedentedly dangerous,” increasing fears of a potential nuclear disaster.

Background

The Zaporizhzhia plant, located in the town of Enerhodar in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, is Europe’s largest nuclear power facility. Its strategic importance has made it a key flashpoint in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The standoff over the plant’s control and safety remains unresolved, with both sides blaming each other for escalating the risks.