Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned of a critical situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which has been disconnected from the electricity grid for seven consecutive days. This marks the longest outage at Europe's largest nuclear facility since Russia's invasion in 2022.
In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy stated that Russian shelling is preventing the restoration of an external power line needed to cool the reactors and avert a meltdown. He also reported that one of the plant's emergency diesel generators has failed, heightening the risk.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head, Rafael Grossi, said his team is working with both sides to restore the power line. He noted that while there is no immediate danger as long as the remaining diesel generators operate, the situation is unsustainable for nuclear safety. The plant currently runs eight generators, with nine on standby and three under maintenance.
Zaporizhzhia, seized by Russian forces early in the war, has been disconnected from the grid ten times since the conflict began. It produces no electricity but requires power to cool its fuel. Both Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of attacks threatening nuclear safety near the frontline plant.
Grossi urged both parties to enable repairs, while Russian officials have not commented on the latest developments. IAEA monitors remain stationed at the site and at Ukraine's three other nuclear stations.
