Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Faces Critical Threat as Generators Fail, Zelenskyy Warns
KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning regarding the deteriorating situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear power Plant, Europe’s largest, after a generator failed and Russian forces continue to obstruct repairs to critical power lines. The plant is currently disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid and operating on emergency power sources, raising fears of a potential nuclear incident.
Zelenskyy stated via Telegram that the plant’s systems “are not adapted to this and have never worked in such a mode for so long.” He emphasized that Russian actions are preventing the restoration of basic security measures, stating, “It is the Russians that prevent the power lines to repair the power plant and restore security. This is absolutely a threat to everyone. No terrorist in the world would allow himself to be done wiht a nuclear power plant what russia is doing now.” The plant has been under Russian control as March 2022, staffed by Russian soldiers and personnel from the Russian state corporation Rosatom.
Prior to Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the Zaporizhzhia plant was connected to four main 750 kilovolt power lines and had six reserve lines operating at 330 kilovolts. Zelenskyy has convened meetings with military command and the Ministry of Energy, and has directed the government to assess international public opinion regarding the escalating crisis.