ZAPORIJJIA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

Russia wants to cut Ukraine off from its nuclear power plant in Zaporijjia, occupied by the Russian army, unless kyiv pays Moscow for the electricity produced, said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khousnoullin. This statement joins that of other Russian officials in recent weeks who suggest that Russia is preparing a long-term occupation, even annexation, of the areas of southern Ukraine it controls.

“If the energy system of Ukraine is ready to take and pay, then (the plant) can turn for Ukraine. If (Ukraine) does not accept, then (the plant) will turn for Russia”, said Marat Khousnoulline, during a trip to the site of the nuclear installation on Wednesday, Russian agencies reported.