Five New Units for Khmelnytskyi NPP, Ukraine in NASA Projects and Military Aid: What Is Known After the First Day of Zelensky's US Visit

Ukraine will be provided with Javelin anti-tank missiles worth $60 million.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the United States on a working visit and has already held a number of important talks.

In particular, a memorandum was signed on attracting up to $30 billion to build five new power units at the Khmelnytskyi NPP, discussions were held on Ukraine's future role in NASA projects, and an agreement was reached with the US on providing additional military aid. 

Contract for Five Power Units at Khmelnytskyi NPP

NNEGC Energoatom and US electrical engineering company Westinghouse Electric signed a memorandum on the joint construction of five new power units at the Khmelnytskyi NPP — the first as a pilot project, and the remaining four using American company technology.

The document provides for the use of Westinghouse Electric technology to build an AP1000 nuclear reactor with an electrical capacity of about 1.1 GW.

Implementing the memorandum will open the possibility of attracting investment for the construction of five units worth up to $30 billion. In addition to direct investment, part of the production will be localized, and the budget will, reportedly, receive additional tax revenues.

In addition, Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko and US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm signed a joint statement of the US Department of Energy and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy and climate.

The document provides for strengthened bilateral cooperation on improving corporate governance at state-owned enterprises in Ukraine's energy sector, in particular through the involvement of international independent supervisory boards.

Ukraine and NASA 

Zelensky also met in the US with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

The president noted that Ukraine is interested in revitalizing its scientific and technological potential and sees cooperation with NASA as an important component of developing the domestic space industry.

Volodymyr Zelensky 
President of Ukraine

Ukraine must once again become a space power. Research and the use of outer space for peaceful purposes is an important component of the partnership between Ukraine and the United States.

The parties discussed the prospects for Ukrainian enterprises' participation in the Antares project, the Artemis Moon exploration program, as well as projects Ukraine could join with its space technologies.

Bill Nelson stressed the “courage and heroism” of Ukrainians, which have been evident since the Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity.

The NASA head also accepted Zelensky's invitation to visit Ukraine.

Military Aid

The US has promised to provide up to $60 million in military aid to Ukraine ahead of a meeting at the White House between US President Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky.

In a notification to Congress, the Biden administration said the aid package for Ukraine was necessary due to a significant increase in Russian military activity along its border, as well as mortar shelling, ceasefire violations and other provocations.

“Strengthening Russia's positions along the Ukrainian border has revealed a shortage of Ukrainian armed forces' capabilities to protect against a Russian invasion,” — the notification says. “Significant gaps in Ukraine's capabilities must be urgently addressed to strengthen deterrence in light of the current Russian threat.”

The new military aid is reportedly intended to demonstrate the US commitment to Ukraine's security. The new package will include more Javelin anti-tank missiles.