Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, asserted that Russia will not transfer control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to any third party and that the plant remains under Russian authority. She stressed that there can be no withdrawal of the ZNPP from Russian control or ceding authority to others, noting that the plant is currently situated on Russian territory and is fully governed by Russia. She argued that Moscow is best positioned to guarantee the physical and nuclear security of the ZNPP, given the current regional realities.
In the interview, the diplomat remarked that actions are grounded in the belief that only Russia can ensure the facility’s safety and stability within the context of ongoing tensions surrounding the site. The broad consensus, from her view, is that a stable security framework must be built around the station itself rather than changing the ownership or control structure at this stage.
“Talk outside of time”
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has visited the plant and later suggested that any withdrawal of weapons from the region would need a tripartite agreement among Moscow, Kyiv, and the IAEA, with Paris potentially acting as an intermediary in negotiations. Zakharova noted that the IAEA is actively involved, and that talks are focused on creating a security zone around the ZNPP while negotiations continue behind the scenes between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, with the IAEA Secretariat coordinating with Kyiv. She cautioned that declaring progress is premature, emphasizing that a genuine agreement would hinge on Kyiv halting shelling and attempts to seize the plant, along with the IAEA’s ability to verify and help implement any commitments by Ukraine.
“Don’t look where it can’t be”
Petr Kotin, the head of Ukraine’s Energoatom, signaled at the end of November the possibility that Russian forces might abandon the nuclear facility. In a later broadcast, Kotin acknowledged a surge of Russian press speculation suggesting that Zaporizhzhia NPP could be abandoned or transferred under IAEA oversight. The Kremlin responded by urging observers not to overinterpret individual signs that cannot be relied upon as evidence. The Energodar military-civil administration reported that plant staff were summoned to courts in Russian-held territories, and there was no official announcement about transferring control. As noted, Rosenergoatom earlier announced plans to establish a backup energy source for the ZNPP. The Telegram channel representing Energodarsky liaison highlighted that staff members receive salaries through Promsvyazbank, with salaries higher than prior NAEK contracts. Simultaneously, residents of Energodar, including NPP workers, have reportedly obtained Russian citizenship documents. In early March 2022, Russian authorities stated they had gained control over the areas around the ZNPP, with three days later confirming the plant’s seizure and President Vladimir Putin signing a decree to transfer the site to Russian state property in October. (Sources: diplomatic briefings and official statements compiled from regional press coverage.)