'Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant historically belongs to Russia': Ukraine warns of new Russian provocation

The Center for Countering Disinformation reported the information.

"According to information received from the Ukrainian Defense Forces, the Center for Countering Disinformation reports that the Russians plan to release propaganda videos aimed at convincing the international community that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant allegedly historically belongs to Russia, and to shift the blame for Russia’s war crimes onto Ukraine," the statement says.

The Center noted that this manipulation is part of a broader Russian campaign to discredit Ukraine. In this way, the Russians are trying to justify their war crimes and improve the international standing of the occupying country, particularly in the eyes of the United States and the IAEA.

The Center emphasized that the ZNPP was built on the territory of Ukraine within its borders recognized by international law and the international community, so the plant has always belonged to Ukraine.

What is known about the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was seized by Russian troops on March 4, 2022, during the fighting for the city of Enerhodar. This is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and its capture caused serious concern worldwide due to the risk of a nuclear disaster. During the assault, the plant’s territory was shelled, including damage to the training center building.

Since then, Russia has used the ZNPP as a military base, deploying equipment and personnel there, which violates nuclear safety standards. Ukrainian staff are forced to work under pressure and in conditions of occupation, and some employees have been abducted or tortured. The plant’s power units have been shut down, but there remains a risk of an accident due to repeated power supply disruptions. The IAEA insists on the creation of a safe zone and the withdrawal of troops from the plant’s territory.

However, on March 25, 2025, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that transferring control of the ZNPP to Ukraine or any other country is impossible. "There are no such precedents in world practice," the ministry claims.