Zaporizhzhia NPP blackout could trigger catastrophic nuclear disaster, Ukraine warns
Photo: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP), occupied by Russia, has been without electricity for four days. The blackout could trigger a catastrophic nuclear disaster, reports Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
"As a result of Russian actions, the Zaporizhzhia NPP has been without power for the fourth day. This is the plant’s tenth blackout caused by the Russians,” Sybiha said.
He recalled that Russian forces laid 200 kilometers of power lines in an attempt to connect the plant to their own grid and restart operations. The Russian administration is ignoring nuclear safety concerns because it wants to please the Kremlin — a situation reminiscent of 1986.
"Moscow's irresponsible actions have resulted in far too many risks over the years. Deliberate strikes near nuclear facilities, such as this week's drone explosion near the South Ukraine NPP, the earlier drone strike at the Chornobyl Confinement, and other reckless actions," the minister noted.
He warned that efforts to restart Zaporizhzhia NPP could become Russia’s worst nuclear safety violation. Moscow is trying to involve the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and use its authority to justify the occupation. However, he said, this leads to the irreversible collapse of the global nuclear order.
"The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant must be returned to Ukraine, its rightful owner. We urge all nations concerned about nuclear safety and security to make it clear to Moscow that its nuclear gamble must end," Sybiha said.
Critical situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP
On September 23, Energoatom (the largest producer of electricity in Ukraine) reported the tenth blackout at the plant since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. As of September 27, the plant still has no electricity.
The last external power line linking Zaporizhzhia to Ukraine's energy system stopped working due to Russian actions. At the same time, Russian forces are preparing to connect the plant to their own grid.
