Ukraine’s acquisition of excess nuclear power plant equipment delivered by Russia to Bulgaria is a significant opportunity for the West that must not be missed, according to a senior fellow at US thinktank the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

Stephen Blank said the transfer of Bulgaria’s excess nuclear equipment to Ukraine would help address Kyiv’s electricity generation needs while also representing a major setback for Russia’s strategy in both Ukraine and the Balkans.

“Boosting Ukraine’s nuclear power capabilities would enhance the country’s economic outlook and position Ukraine to eventually replace Russia as a principal energy supplier to Europe in the postwar period,” Blank said in an article written for another US thinktank, the Atlantic Council.