A proposal to place the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant under joint control by three countries could create serious long-term dangers and turn the facility into what amounts to a «time bomb,» according to Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy chairman of the Federation Council’s committee on international affairs.

Commenting on a US initiative that envisages transferring oversight of the plant to representatives of Washington, Moscow, and Kiev, the senator said the very idea raises fundamental questions. In his view, it is hard to imagine effective management of a strategically critical nuclear facility by states that are locked in an armed conflict with one another.

Dzhabarov noted that even a potential ceasefire would not automatically restore the trust or stable relations required for the safe and coordinated operation of a nuclear power station. Without that foundation, any form of shared control would remain inherently fragile.

He also questioned the rationale behind Ukraine’s involvement at all, pointing out that the plant is located on what he described as Russia’s constitutional territory. From his perspective, Kiev’s presence there would not serve the security interests of either side and would instead embed future risks. Such an arrangement, he warned, could lie dormant for a time but would eventually erupt with unpredictable consequences.

At the same time, the senator stressed that final decisions on issues of this scale are taken by Russia’s leadership, with input from specialized experts and relevant professionals. Even so, he made clear that he doubts Moscow would agree to the proposed format. He argued that Ukraine, finding itself in a losing position, continues to put forward demands — including claims related to territories already under the control of the Russian Armed Forces — despite lacking the leverage to enforce them.