Zelenskyy declares critical situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently characterized the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as critical, noting that the facility has experienced a power outage lasting seven continuous days. This marks the longest stretch the plant has been without power since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

In his nightly address, Zelenskyy emphasized the unprecedented nature of this incident, stating the significance of the outages that have plagued the facility in recent years. A key diesel generator that supplied emergency power to the plant has reportedly become inoperative after external power lines were damaged.

Zelenskyy attributed this disruption to ongoing hostilities, indicating that “Russian shelling has cut the plant off from the electricity network.” He further stressed the global implications of this situation, warning that the current conditions pose a threat not only to Ukraine but to international safety as well. He described actions surrounding the nuclear site as unprecedented, noting, “No terrorist in the world has ever dared to do with a nuclear power plant what Russia is doing now.”

The power outage signifies a significant operational vulnerability for the Zaporizhzhia power station, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, which has been disconnected from the national grid for the tenth time since the conflict escalated. After being seized by Russian forces early in the invasion, the plant, which previously accounted for approximately one-fifth of Ukraine’s electricity production, has been largely offline, posing serious concerns for nuclear safety.

It is critical to note that maintaining power is essential for the plant’s cooling and safety systems, which are crucial to prevent potential reactor meltdowns—hazards that could precipitate catastrophic nuclear incidents.

While Russian officials have yet to comment on recent developments, both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of jeopardizing nuclear safety by engaging in military actions around the plant, culminating in the latest power failure. Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed concern over the situation but stopped short of placing blame on either side. He has been in ongoing discussions with representatives from both nations, aiming to restore external power to Zaporizhzhia swiftly.

In his statement, Grossi underlined the necessity of addressing the issue, indicating that while emergency diesel generators currently safeguard the facility, this arrangement is unsustainable concerning nuclear safety. He concluded, stating, “Neither side would benefit from a nuclear accident,” reinforcing the urgent need for a resolution to this high-stakes situation.

The IAEA has a permanent presence at Zaporizhzhia and other nuclear sites across Ukraine, enhancing oversight during these turbulent times.

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