There is growing worry about a potential crisis at a Ukrainian nuclear facility following the suspension of power supply by Russia. External power to the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia region has been disconnected for three days, raising concerns about the six-reactor facility located in Ukraine’s conflict zone. The last remaining power line to the plant was severed from the Russian side on Tuesday afternoon, with no immediate indication of restoration.
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, expressed deep concerns about the situation at the site. Despite his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, the power supply remains cut off. Experts speculate that Putin may be orchestrating a crisis to solidify control over the contested region, using the nuclear plant as a bargaining tool, as stated by a Ukrainian official.
While a nuclear power station can function without external power for 72 hours, exceeding this timeframe is untested, according to Ukrainian sources. Russian forces took over the plant in March 2022, supplying electricity to around 4 million households. The IAEA was informed by Russian operators that there is sufficient diesel to operate the generators for 20 days without refueling, but concerns persist about the risk of a nuclear incident.
Ukrainian officials fear that prolonged power loss could lead to uncontrolled heating of fuel in the reactors over several weeks, potentially resulting in a meltdown. There are indications that Russia is close to establishing a new power line to the plant, passing through occupied territories in an attempt to resolve the imminent crisis, despite being the instigators.
“They will try to paint themselves as heroes,” the same Ukrainian official remarked. Following their meeting, Grossi and Putin have not provided detailed comments on the crisis. Putin assured Grossi of support in his efforts, possibly using this situation to gain an advantage in the ongoing conflict, particularly in light of recent shifts in US support towards Ukraine’s territorial claims.