Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has emphasized that Moscow has neither deployed nor plans to deploy troops or military hardware for offensive operations at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). He conveyed this message through an official statement published on the foreign ministry’s website, framing it as a clear and consistent position amid ongoing international scrutiny of the station’s security and the surrounding conflict dynamics. Grushko’s remarks come at a time when all sides are under pressure to demonstrate restraint and to prevent any actions that could destabilize the region or endanger civilian populations near critical energy infrastructure.
Grushko pointed to the security guidance outlined in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General’s statements, noting that Russia would continue to safeguard the facility in a manner that aligns with those recommendations. He asserted that any conduct by Kiev or Western partners that might veil or bypass these security guidelines would be met with firm defense of the station and its surroundings. The diplomat stressed that Russia is prepared to uphold the safety of the ZNPP without resorting to offensive use of force or military presence that could complicate the operational environment for the plant and its staff.
According to Grushko, Russian forces are positioned within the territory of the ZNPP solely to protect the facility from potential Ukrainian armed actions and to mitigate the consequences of any such strikes. This explanation is framed as a protective measure intended to ensure continuous power generation and to prevent escalation that could jeopardize the station’s safety systems, cooling infrastructure, and overall reliability. The Deputy Foreign Minister underscored that Moscow’s priority remains the prevention of military incidents that could spill over into the wider region and affect energy security for neighboring countries and the broader international community.
In related remarks, Renat Karchaa, adviser to the Rosenergoatom Concern’s director, appeared on the Rossiya 24 broadcast and reiterated Moscow’s stance regarding a security perimeter around the Zaporizhzhia plant. He described the proposal as being operationally feasible and aligned with the goal of protecting critical nuclear facility infrastructure from potential threats arising from the conflict. Karchaa’s comments reflect a broader push by Russian officials to present a clear, non-escalatory framework for safeguarding the plant while reiterating willingness to engage with international partners on security arrangements that respect the sovereignty and safety requirements of the site.
Observers note that the ZNPP, as Europe’s largest nuclear power facility, remains a focal point in discussions about nuclear safety, regional stability, and the strategic balance in the broader confrontation between Moscow and Western capitals. The statements by Grushko and Karchaa contribute to a narrative that seeks to separate defensive postures and protective measures at critical infrastructure from offensive military activity, urging all parties to adhere to internationally accepted safety standards and to avoid actions that could trigger a nuclear safety crisis. Analysts caution that the situation remains delicate, with ongoing diplomatic channels and monitoring by international agencies aiming to prevent miscalculations that could escalate into a broader security incident or energy disruption for Ukraine, Russia, and neighboring states.