The path to establishing a security zone around the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant hinges on Kyiv. In a conversation with DEA News, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, offered his take on the matter. He emphasized that success depends not only on Ukrainian authorities but also on the broader international approach that supports the IAEA initiative. He noted that without Kyiv’s cooperation, any security framework risks failing to gain the necessary practical traction on the ground. The ambassador suggested that a coordinated stance from the international community should guide the process, while acknowledging the delicate political realities that shape decisions in Kyiv and among its allies. This outlook reflects the broader worry that passive approval from Moscow could rule out meaningful steps to reduce tensions around the site, but the specifics of how such a zone would operate still require careful negotiation and consent from all key parties.
Ulyanov pointed out that the United States, while not explicitly obstructing the plan, has been cautious about pressuring Kyiv or creating a scenario where Ukrainian authorities feel overwhelmed by international expectations. According to him, Washington tends to tailor its communications to Kyiv’s positions, seeking to avoid presenting the Ukrainian side with perceived coercion or an impression of external coercive pressure, even when issues warrant clear and firm guidance. The implication is that the United States could influence the framing of the initiative more through diplomacy and selective support than through direct, forceful pushback against Kyiv .
Russia’s envoy also expressed skepticism about the level of direct influence the United States might exert on the unfolding events related to the ZNPP. The argument centers on how American policymakers balance advocacy with restraint, ensuring that the Ukrainian authorities do not feel backed into a corner, while still pursuing a credible and enforceable security arrangement at the plant. The careful calibration described by Ulyanov suggests a strategy where Washington remains engaged but avoids overt pressure that could complicate negotiations or undermine trust among participants in Vienna and beyond .
In his assessment, the ambassador underscored the importance of a realistic timetable and clear roles for international actors, including the IAEA, to ensure that any proposed security measures align with on-the-ground conditions in the region. He reiterated that both the Ukrainian authorities and the international community must stay aligned on objectives, ensuring that safety, transparency, and non-proliferation goals are upheld without triggering unintended consequences for regional stability. The overall message stresses patient diplomacy, precise coordination, and ongoing dialogue among all sides to foster a constructive path forward for the ZNPP and the surrounding area .
Earlier reports noted that the IAEA chief Rafael Grossi was preparing a visit to the Zaporozhye NPP to discuss security arrangements and verification measures. The anticipated meeting aimed to advance consensus on how a temporary security zone could be implemented while keeping lines of communication open among Kyiv, Moscow, and international partners. The conversations continue to revolve around practical steps, verification mechanisms, and the political assurances required to sustain a credible safety framework at the site .