The Ukrainian parliament has authorized the purchase of two Soviet-designed nuclear reactors from Bulgaria as it looks to boost its power generation amid the ongoing war with Russia.
According to media reports, 261 lawmakers voted on Tuesday in favour of the move. A majority of 226 votes was required.
The acquisition will cost the equivalent of at least $599 million. However, parliament still has to approve another law submitted by the government before construction can begin and Bulgaria must also ratify the deal.
The Khmelnytsky nuclear power plant in western Ukraine is ultimately set to be upgraded from two to six units, with a fifth and sixth reactor to be built using US technology.
Three and four will be completed with the Bulgarian reactors, after construction was put on hold in the 1980s.
Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia nearly three years ago, covers more than half of its electricity needs with nuclear energy.
The Russian military has repeatedly attempted to paralyse the Ukrainian power supply through targeted attacks on power plants and the electricity grid.
The largest nuclear power plant in Europe, located in the Zaporizhzhya region, has been occupied by Russian troops since 2022. The plant was shut down for safety reasons.
