Russian strike causes new blackout at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Russian strike leaves Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant in Ukraine without power (Getty Images)
Russian forces struck a power transmission line connecting the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukraine's energy grid. This marks the eighth blackout at the plant since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, according to Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko.
"The Russian strike caused a blackout at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant,” Galushchenko said.
According to him, the enemy targeted the power transmission line connecting the temporarily occupied plant to Ukraine's unified energy system.
This particular line is essential for maintaining the plant's internal operations and ensuring the required level of radiation safety.
"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Zaporizhzhia NPP has already experienced eight complete blackouts and has repeatedly been on the brink of one. This is yet another act of Russian nuclear terror!" the minister added.
Situation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is the largest in both Ukraine and Europe. Since March 4, 2022, however, it has been under Russian occupation.
Russian forces have mined parts of the plant's territory and deployed military personnel on-site.
In addition, Russian troops have repeatedly staged provocations at the facility, and the plant has frequently been on the verge of a total blackout.
Russia is also unlawfully detaining 13 nuclear workers from Zaporizhzhia NPP. Seven have already been "sentenced" on fabricated charges, three remain in prison awaiting sham verdicts, and the fate of the remaining three is unknown — they are considered missing.
The plant's training center has been attacked three times already this year.
