Fragile Power: Inside the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Crisis

U.N. nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi, during his visit to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, described the situation as 'very fragile' with the threat of disaster still imminent. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have accused each other of attacks on the plant since it fell under Russian control. The plant remains non-operational, with recurring issues posing severe threats.

U.N. nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi highlighted the 'very fragile' condition of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant ahead of his visit to the Russian-occupied facility in southeast Ukraine. Speaking in Kyiv, Grossi raised concerns about the risk of a catastrophic disaster amid ongoing conflicts.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the largest in Europe, ceased operations after Russian troops seized it following their invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of endangering the plant's safety through shelling, although both parties deny the allegations.

Grossi reiterated the delicacy of the situation, noting disruptions like drone impacts and power line damage. He warned that without a stable power supply, the lack of cooling could trigger a disaster. Recent Russian and Ukrainian reports have highlighted power line issues affecting the plant.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy admitted that Ukraine currently lacks the capability to retake the plant. The IAEA director also pointed out that the Kursk nuclear plant in Russia faces similar risks, especially with Ukrainian forces positioned nearby, raising fresh concerns about nuclear safety in the region.