**Bulgaria Reverses Course on Nuclear Reactor Sales to Ukraine**
In a surprising turn of events, Bulgaria has backed off from a deal to sell two Russian-made nuclear reactors to Ukraine. The move comes as a significant setback for Ukraine, which had been seeking to expand its Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant with the purchase of these reactors.
**The Deal’s History**
The proposed sale of the reactors, which was first discussed in 2023, had been a contentious issue in both Bulgaria and Ukraine. The Ukrainian parliament approved the purchase in February this year, despite criticism from some lawmakers who argued that the reactors were obsolete and expensive. However, Bulgarian officials have now announced that they are canceling the deal.
**Reasons for the Reversal**
According to Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov, Sofia needs to develop its nuclear energy capacities, especially amid rising electricity prices. This decision has been supported by Boyko Borisov’s GERB party, which had originally backed the sale in 2023. The parties have reportedly disagreed on price, with Ukraine planning to allocate $600 million for the reactors and Bulgaria requesting an additional $100 million.
**Implications for Ukraine**
The reversal of this deal is a significant blow to Ukraine, which relies heavily on nuclear power to sustain its energy grid. Nuclear power accounts for more than half of Ukraine’s electricity consumption, and Russian attacks have dealt devastating damage to the country’s thermal and hydroelectric generating capacity. The Khmelnytskyi plant, one of the three remaining operational nuclear stations in Ukraine-held territories, is being expanded to offset the loss of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, currently under Russian occupation.
**What This Means for Ukraine**
The cancellation of this deal means that Ukraine will have to look elsewhere for additional nuclear capacity. The country’s energy needs are pressing, and it will be difficult to find alternative solutions in the short term. This decision also raises questions about Bulgaria’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its time of need.
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