**Russia Seeks UN Help to Resolve Nuclear Fuel Question in Ukraine**
In a move that could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow has asked the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog agency to mediate over the question of what to do with US-made nuclear fuel stored at a Ukrainian power plant controlled by Russian forces.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which lies near one of the front lines of the war in Ukraine, was once a major source of electricity for the country. However, it has been idled since Russia’s occupation of the facility in March 2022. The fuel question is just one of several issues that need to be resolved before the plant can be restarted.
According to Russian nuclear energy chief Alexei Likhachev, Moscow is willing either to use the fuel, supplied by US company Westinghouse, or to remove it entirely and return it to the United States. This move comes after Westinghouse and US energy officials had previously raised intellectual property concerns with Russia in connection with the fuel issue.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said that restarting the Zaporizhzhia plant is currently impossible due to a lack of stable power supply and water for cooling. The agency, led by Rafael Grossi, has expressed willingness to mediate over the issue.
**A Delicate Situation**
The situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is delicate, with both Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of shelling the facility, raising the risk of a grave accident. The IAEA has warned that the conflict around the plant poses significant risks for the whole region.
Russia’s plan to restart the plant hinges on all military threats being removed. Likhachev said that Moscow had prepared a “comprehensive plan” for the phased commissioning of the plant, but this would only be possible if the security situation improves.
**Commentary**
The move by Russia to seek UN help over the nuclear fuel question marks an attempt to address one of several issues blocking the restart of the Zaporizhzhia power plant. However, the situation remains complex and sensitive, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The IAEA’s willingness to mediate is a positive step forward, but it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to resolve the question of what to do with the US-made nuclear fuel at the Zaporizhzhia plant. The resolution of this issue could have significant implications for the future of the conflict in Ukraine and the broader region.
Read More @ www.reuters.com
