The Russians, after seizing the ZNPP in March 2022, illegally gained access to classified data that is subject to US export controls. Now they can be prosecuted.
In the letter of the Nuclear Security Administration of the US Ministry of Energy dated March 17, 2023, which is at the disposal of RBC-Ukraine, it is noted that under American laws, such a crime entails criminal liability.
Also, confirmation of a violation of US legislation can become an additional argument for the introduction of sanctions against the nuclear industry of the Russian Federation, in particular Rosatom and its managers.
Let us add that in a letter addressed to the general director of Rosatom Oleksiy Likhachev, the USA actually warns the Russian Federation about its responsibility for possessing classified information.
It should be noted that four of the station's six units run on fuel from the American company Westinghouse. To switch from Russian nuclear fuel to American fuel, the units were modernized. Therefore, the station has technical information that is subject to export control by the United States. Ukraine has received permission to own and use this data.
At one time, the Russian Federation also tried to gain access to it, citing the fact that Rosatom works closely with Energoatom and supplies fuel for Ukrainian reactors. However, the USA did not give Rosatom such permission.
After the capture of the ZNPP by the Russians, Rosatom specialists were sent to the station, who in fact gained full access to the station, in particular, probably to secret data.
According to American law, the responsibility for information from atomic technologies to fall into third hands is not only those who acquired it, but also those who contributed to it by their actions or inaction. Yes, such persons may be fined up to 10,000 dollars or imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both. If the crime is committed with the intent to injure the United States or to aid any foreign nation, the penalty can be up to life in prison or a fine of $20,000, or both.
