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Ukraine's Nuclear Chief Warns of Zaporizhzhia Restart Risks

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pavlo Kovtoniuk, head of Ukraine's nuclear power operator, says Zaporizhzhia can only be restarted safely if returned to Ukrainian control.
He notes Russia lacks equipment and spare parts to operate the facility, which could supply a third of Ukraine's electricity.
The plant has been shut down since Russian forces seized it.
Kovtoniuk warns restarting without Ukrainian expertise could cause disaster risks similar to Chornobyl after Kakhovka dam's destruction reduced water.

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Story summary

Pavlo Kovtoniuk, head of Ukraine's nuclear power operator, says Zaporizhzhia can only be restarted safely if returned to Ukrainian control.
He notes Russia lacks equipment and spare parts to operate the facility, which could supply a third of Ukraine's electricity.
The plant has been shut down since Russian forces seized it.
Kovtoniuk warns restarting without Ukrainian expertise could cause disaster risks similar to Chornobyl after Kakhovka dam's destruction reduced water.