Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khosnolin announced, on Wednesday, that Russia wants to withdraw its nuclear plant in Zaporizhia, the largest in Europe, occupied by the Russian army from Ukraine, unless Kyiv pays Moscow for the electricity produced.
This statement joins other statements made by the Russian authorities in recent weeks, which indicate that Russia is preparing for a prolonged occupation or even annexation of the areas it controls in southern Ukraine: Kherson region and an important part of Zaporizhia.
If the energy system of Ukraine is ready to receive and pay, [a central] can come back [às mãos] from Ukraine. if [a Ucrânia] “(The plant) will pass to Russia,” Khosnollin said during a visit on Wednesday to the nuclear facility, and Russian news agencies reported on Thursday.
“We have a lot of experience in the field of nuclear power plants, we have companies in Russia that have this experience, and there is no doubt that (the company located in Zaporizhia) will continue to work,” he said.
The Ukrainian Nuclear Energy Agency, Energoatom, confirmed Thursday morning that the nuclear power plant continues to provide Ukraine with electricity.
Russians “They do not have the technical ability to supply power from the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia”Energoatom spokesman Leonid Oleinik reassured, AFP reported.
“It takes time and money. It’s like building a bridge in Crimea. In a month or two we will restore Ukrainian control over everything,” he added.
According to the spokesperson, “No one will have to buy anything from them. [russos]”.
Oliynyk also emphasized that Russia does not have the ability to cut off electricity in areas of Ukraine not under Russian control, not least because “all the necessary equipment is under Ukrainian control.”
In 2021, that is, before the Russian attack on Ukraine that began on February 24, the Zaporizhia plant was responsible for 20% of Ukraine’s annual electricity production and 47% of the production of the Ukrainian nuclear park.
Marat Khosnolin further stated that Russia is in that region of Ukraine to stay, which seems to imply annexation of the region.
I think the future of this region is to work within the friendly Russian family. That is why I came to help integrate as much as possible,” said the Russian Deputy Prime Minister.
Russian and pro-Russian officials in Ukraine by Moscow also said last week that the Ukrainian region Kherson is likely to be annexed by Russia.
Ukrainian officials say Russia is preparing for referendums in Kherson and Zaporizhia
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