**Ukraine Approves Purchase of Russian-Made Nuclear Reactors**
Ukraine’s parliament has voted in favor of buying two Russian-made reactors from Bulgaria for the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. The decision was made on February 11, according to lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak.
**Key to Energy Independence**
President Volodymyr Zelensky had urged lawmakers to approve the project, calling it a “key to energy independence”. Ukraine faces regular Russian attacks against its energy grid, and this deal is seen as a way to ensure the country’s energy supply.
**Criticism of the Deal**
However, some lawmakers have criticized the deal, arguing that the reactors are obsolete and expensive. The parliament has struggled to pass the law, prompting Bulgaria to extend the deadline for concluding the deal until March.
**Price of the Reactors**
The price of the two reactors was set at $600 million, according to lawmaker Andrii Zhupanyn.
**Importance of Nuclear Power**
Nuclear power is crucial in sustaining Ukraine’s energy grid, covering more than half of the country’s electricity consumption. Russian missile and drone attacks have dealt devastating damage to Ukraine’s thermal and hydroelectric generating capacity, necessitating regular emergency shutdowns.
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