Ukraine Plans to Buy Old Russian Nuclear Reactors

Ukraine's government is encountering significant resistance to its proposal to acquire mothballed nuclear reactors, with critics alleging that the initiative could foster corruption amid ongoing efforts to reform the energy sector. The plan aims to activate two new units at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Station, which officials argue is essential for reinforcing the energy grid severely damaged by Russian attacks. Despite the government's intentions, lawmakers have expressed skepticism regarding the proposal's viability, indicating a lack of necessary support. Andrii Zhupanyn, a member of the parliament’s energy committee, noted the unusual absence of backing for such a high-stakes initiative, highlighting the growing doubts surrounding the project. Energy Minister German Galuschenko, however, has defended the plan, asserting that expanding nuclear power is crucial for Ukraine's energy stability. He emphasized that nuclear energy constitutes 60 percent of the country's energy mix and is vital for its infrastructure. Galuschenko labeled the development of the Khmelnytskyi facility as a government priority, dismissing concerns about the reactors' condition. The situation has been further complicated by recent corruption allegations, including the arrest of Galushenko’s deputy minister for attempting to solicit a bribe related to state-owned coal mining equipment. Critics point to a history of corruption within Ukraine's nuclear sector, raising alarms about the transparency of the current proposal. Additionally, far-right, pro-Russian factions have obstructed government inspections of nuclear facilities, further complicating the landscape for Ukraine's energy reforms.