How Russian control over the Zaporizhzhia NPP may affect the occupation of Dnipropetrovsk region: ISW data.

Kremlin Plans Regarding the Zaporizhzhia NPP

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia's preparations to establish permanent control over the Zaporizhzhia NPP indicate Moscow's intentions to illegally annex additional territories of Ukraine. Analysts claim that satellite images show how the RF is laying new power lines near the Azov Sea in the occupied territories of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

'These new power lines are the first signs that Russia is trying to implement its long-standing plan to connect the Zaporizhzhia NPP to its own energy system,' experts note.

Head of Rosatom Alexey Likhachev previously announced plans to put the Zaporizhzhia NPP 'at full capacity'. Analysts emphasize that this indicates Russia's desire to maintain control over the station and operate it safely.

'Russia's efforts to connect the Zaporizhzhia NPP to the Russian energy system indicate that the RF plans to occupy and annex the Dnipropetrovsk region,' the report states.

Russian officials have also intensified rhetoric, referring to historical ties with Novorossiya and calling for Russia to control areas that it has not annexed. Experts believe that the US may help regain control of the Zaporizhzhia NPP for joint energy projects.

News Analysis

Russia's preparations to establish control over the Zaporizhzhia NPP is a serious issue that indicates the Kremlin's intentions regarding additional territory annexation. The RF's actions regarding the station may have strategic implications for the situation in eastern Ukraine and the region as a whole.