Forest fire causes smoke near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: No threat detected

In particular, footage showing smoke near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was circulating online. In addition, there were reports about power outages in parts of the Zaporizhzhia region under occupation.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the smoke in the area of the ZNPP is connected to a forest fire at a safe distance from the plant site. The IAEA said that there is currently no threat to nuclear safety.

"The power lines connecting the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukraine's power grid are operating stably, providing reliable external power to the plant to ensure radiation safety," the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine added.

At the same time, Ukrainian Minister Svitlana Grynchuk stated that due to shelling and actions by Russia near the ZNPP, which have caused damage to power lines, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe has already experienced blackouts nine times.

"Powering a nuclear plant with generators presents extreme nuclear safety risks," the Ministry's post said.

The Ministry of Energy also noted that despite the occupation of the facility, Ukraine continues to fulfill its obligations, including those related to nuclear safety. The state also ensures power supply to the ZNPP using the capacities of the unified Ukrainian power system.

Zaporizhzhia NPP cannot operate without Ukraine

In March of this year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the existence of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant without Ukraine is impossible.

In particular, because restoration would require several years, money, and specialists.

"This very issue, the plant itself - it's a problem for the Russians, a big problem. And it will keep coming up. So, essentially, without Ukraine, its existence is impossible. To restore it, you need money and specialists. And time - several years," Zelenskyy said.