The Bulgarian government has confirmed its position regarding the non-supply of two reactors to Ukraine for the completion of the energy blocks at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP). Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov emphasized that the country must focus on developing its own nuclear energy sector.
This is reported by Finway
“Two reactors for the Belene Nuclear Power Plant will not be sold to Ukraine,” Zafirov stated.
This decision was supported by all government partners, indicating unanimity on the issue of the country’s energy security.
Context of the Purchase of Bulgarian Reactors
In March 2024, the head of NAEC Energoatom, Petro Kotin, announced plans for Ukraine to acquire two nuclear reactors from Bulgaria to compensate for the loss of access to the Zaporizhzhia Power Plant, which was seized by Russia. However, in June 2024, the Bulgarian parliament decided to extend the negotiation period for a possible sale by up to six months.
On February 11, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed a bill allowing Energoatom to purchase two nuclear reactors for the completion of energy blocks No. 3 and No. 4 of the Khmelnytskyi NPP, which was signed by President Zelensky in March.
Criticism of the Initiative
The initiative to complete the Khmelnytskyi NPP has raised numerous questions and criticism among experts. Energy specialists note that acquiring reactors of Russian origin contradicts Ukraine’s goal of distancing itself from Russia. Additionally, there has been no adequate examination conducted, raising doubts about the feasibility and effectiveness of such purchases.
Member of Parliament Yaroslav Zheleznyak described the decision as “an absolutely idiotic corrupt idea,” pointing to the risk of purchasing “Russian junk from the Bulgarians.” Director of the Energy Research Center Oleksandr Kharchenko noted that the implementation of the Khmelnytskyi NPP completion project would require $4-4.5 billion, which is currently unavailable in Ukraine. Furthermore, to connect the new capacities, high-voltage lines will need to be constructed.