Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on the Verge of Blackout Due to Russian Shelling, Says Energoatom

Russian shelling damaged the external overhead line through which the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant received power from the Ukrainian power system and was again on the verge of blackout.

"On August 22, due to Russian shelling, the external overhead line PL-330kV "Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant - Ferosplavna" was damaged," wrote Energoatom, a Ukrainian enterprise operating all four nuclear power plants in Ukraine.

"Under the ‘management’ of the Russian invaders, who are controlling the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the degradation is constantly deepening in all areas of exploitation," the report says.

In addition, the lack of qualified personnel and the transformation of the station into a military base make trouble-free exploitation difficult.

Energoatom emphasized that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant should immediately be returned to Ukraine, and the Russian military should leave the station. This is the only way to restore nuclear and radiation safety in Europe.

Since March 4, 2022, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been under Russian occupation. During this time, Russian forces have repeatedly violated nuclear safety principles by preventing qualified personnel from working and cutting off power lines from the Ukrainian energy system.