The U.S. Issues Warning to Russia Over Nuclear Technology in Ukraine

The U.S. Department of Energy is cautioning Russia against interacting with sensitive American nuclear technology at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. This warning comes amid ongoing Russian control of the facility, raising concerns about potential security risks and nuclear safety in Europe.

Why It Matters

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe, has been under Russian management since their occupation of the region following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The presence of U.S.-origin nuclear technology at the site poses significant risks, heightening fears of a nuclear incident amid ongoing hostilities.

Key Developments

• The U.S. Department of Energy sent a letter to Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear company, warning them against unauthorized access to U.S. nuclear technology, dated March 17, 2023.
• The letter specifies that the Zaporizhzhia facility contains U.S.-origin nuclear data that is subject to strict export controls by the U.S. government.
• Despite ongoing Russian operations at the plant, Ukrainian personnel continue to manage its daily functions.
• Rosatom has not publicly commented on the U.S. letter, raising questions about compliance and response.

Full Report

U.S. Warning to Rosatom

In a March letter addressed to Rosatom’s director general, Andrea Ferkile from the Energy Department’s Office of Nonproliferation Policy emphasized the illegality of any unauthorized handling of U.S. nuclear technology by Russian entities. The communication outlined that it is unlawful for individuals or organizations within Russia to access or utilize this sensitive technology without proper authorization from the U.S. Secretary of Energy.

Operational Context of the Plant

Currently, the Zaporizhzhia facility remains under Russian control, yet it is maintained by Ukrainian staff. The presence of armed forces in the area has resulted in frequent disconnections from Ukraine’s power grid, heightening fears across Europe about a potential nuclear disaster amid ongoing military actions.

Department of Energy’s Assurance

The Energy Department confirmed the authenticity of the warning letter through a statement provided to CNN, reiterating the legal protections surrounding U.S. nuclear technology. The department also emphasized that there is no record indicating any authorized transfer of U.S. nuclear technology to Russian entities.

Context & Previous Events

Prior to the warning in March, the U.S. had been actively involved in supporting nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia site, with public statements highlighting their role in enhancing operational and maintenance procedures as part of Ukraine’s energy security initiatives. In a related letter from October 2022, the Energy Department reiterated that it had no current authorization to transfer technology to any Russian organization.