Ukrainian nuclear expert Nikolai Steinberg, chief engineer at the Chernobyl NPP in 1986-1987, stated, for the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, that the sale of equipment and components for nuclear installations from other countries is subject to special export control. This means permission is needed from the direct manufacturer Russia, and in accordance with international law, a tripartite agreement has to be signed between Russia, Bulgaria and Ukraine.

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In response, the Ukrainian company Energoatom issued a statement that it is not planning to sign any documents with Moscow on the possible acquisition of the two Russian nuclear reactors from Bulgaria. According to information from Energoatom, if the sale goes through, the American company Westinghouse will render assistance for the installation of the blocks.

For now, the negotiations with the Bulgarian government continue.