Ukraine’s government is facing mounting opposition to its plan to bring two new Russian-made reactors online at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Station. While the government argues that the multimillion-dollar scheme to purchase mothballed reactors from Bulgaria will help shore up the war-torn country’s energy grid, critics accuse them of opening the door to corruption and potentially investing in outdated technology.
Parliamentarians, including members of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s own party, are raising concerns about the deal’s cost-effectiveness and the potential for corruption. They argue that the purchase could drain Ukraine’s already strained budget and potentially lead to further criminal activity. Concerns about the condition and functionality of the reactors, which were purchased by Bulgaria 10-12 years ago, have also been raised.
The government, however, emphasizes the urgency of expanding nuclear power capacity to maintain energy security in the face of Russian attacks. Energy Minister German Galuschenko asserts that the two VVER-1000 reactors offer the fastest and most cost-effective solution to address the energy crisis.
The controversy surrounding the reactor purchase comes amidst a broader crackdown on corruption within Ukraine’s energy sector. The arrest of Oleksandr Kheil, the deputy energy minister, on charges of bribery further fuels concerns about the potential for wrongdoing in the deal.
Lawmakers remain skeptical, demanding greater transparency and explanation from the government regarding the cost-effectiveness and potential risks associated with the purchase. They worry that the deal could become another avenue for corrupt practices and fail to address the fundamental issues facing Ukraine’s energy grid.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria, the source of the reactors, is also dealing with its own energy sector corruption scandals. Recent raids on the state-owned gas network operator suggest potential misuse of EU funds.
The debate surrounding Ukraine’s nuclear power expansion highlights the complexities of balancing energy security, transparency, and modernization in a country grappling with war and a long history of corruption. Critics are calling for more robust safeguards and transparent processes to ensure that the purchase benefits Ukraine’s energy security without sacrificing accountability and responsible stewardship of public funds.
