Russia attacks substation and de-energizes power line of occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
As a result of another Russian attack on a major substation, one of the power lines supplying the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was cut off, pushing the facility to the brink of a blackout, according to the Ministry of Energy.
"Another act of Russian terrorism has created the threat of an accident at the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP. We demand the immediate implementation of the IAEA resolution and the return of the plant to Ukraine's control. Only this can ensure its safe operation," said Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.
Energy workers are already addressing the aftermath of the shelling to restore the plant’s power supply as quickly as possible.
Situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP
On August 11, a fire broke out at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP, but it did not result in any harmful substance leaks, and the plant continued to operate normally.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the fire was started by Russian occupiers. Energoatom believes the incident could have been caused by either negligence or deliberate arson by the occupiers.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reported that the fire had seriously damaged the Zaporizhzhia NPP’s cooling tower, which will likely have to be dismantled.
On September 27, one of the substations near the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia NPP was reportedly attacked by a drone. IAEA experts also recorded the sounds of explosions.
