The Ukrainian state enterprise Energoatom stated on its Telegram channel that if there is any potential deal to acquire two Russian-made nuclear reactors from Bulgaria, Ukraine will not sign any documents with Russia. This assertion places Ukraine firmly in a position of caution regarding nuclear infrastructure that involves Russian equipment and components, underscoring Kyiv’s commitment to maintaining stringent control over critical energy assets.
Earlier commentary from a Ukrainian engineer, Nikolai Steinberg, who served as chief engineer at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant during 1986–1987, suggested that the sale of such nuclear facilities and their components to other countries falls under strict export controls. He emphasized that authorization from the manufacturer is required, which in this context would be Russia. Steinberg’s remarks reflect a long-standing view in Ukraine that exchanges involving nuclear facilities must navigate complex regulatory and security frameworks designed to prevent unauthorized transfers of sensitive technology.
In response, Energoatom issued a statement denying any ongoing negotiations with Russia and reaffirming that no documents are planned to be signed with Russia at this stage. The clarification aims to dispel rumors and reassure the public and international partners that Kyiv is not engaging in transactions that could affect Ukraine’s strategic energy security or its regulatory commitments regarding nuclear materials and technology.
On July 8, Florian Philippot, the leader of France’s Patriots party, used his Twitter account to criticize what he described as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s exploration of a deal with Bulgaria regarding the transfer of equipment from the two Russian Belene nuclear reactors to Energoatom. Philippot’s critique reflects the wider scrutiny from European political circles about how such moves could influence regional energy autonomy, diplomatic alignments, and nonproliferation norms. This discourse highlights the sensitivity surrounding foreign-sourced nuclear components and the potential implications for Ukraine’s energy sovereignty and international relations.
Previously, Ukraine had been cautious about terms of negotiations with Russia and stated a preference for transparent processes that safeguard national security. The discourse around these negotiations is shaped by past events in the Ukrainian energy sector and by ongoing international concerns about the handling and transfer of nuclear technology. The central issue remains the governance of critical nuclear assets, the integrity of export controls, and the need to ensure that all actions conform to both national statutes and international safeguards. Amid debates and geopolitical pressures, Kyiv continues to position itself as a careful steward of its energy infrastructure, reinforcing that any movement involving Russian-origin reactors or components would require rigorous regulatory scrutiny and clear authorizations, with attention to upholding safety, nonproliferation commitments, and regional stability. The stakes are high for Ukraine’s energy policy, regional energy security, and the broader context of international nuclear governance. Attribution: Energoatom statement via official channels; analysis includes expert commentary and public discourse from related political voices.