There are worries about a potential crisis at a Ukrainian nuclear facility following the cutoff of electricity supply by Russia. The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region has been without external power for three days, raising concerns about the six-reactor plant in Ukraine. The last power line from the Russian side was disconnected on Tuesday, and there is uncertainty about when it will be restored.
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed deep concerns about the situation at the plant. Despite meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, the power supply remains severed. Experts believe Putin may be creating a crisis to strengthen his control over the disputed region, using the nuclear plant as leverage, as per Ukrainian officials.
Although a nuclear plant can typically function without power for 72 hours, the situation beyond that threshold is unprecedented, according to Ukrainian sources. Russian forces took over the plant in March 2022, supplying electricity to around 4 million homes through its reactors.
IAEA was informed by Russian operators that there is sufficient diesel to operate the generators for up to 20 days without refueling. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the possibility of a nuclear incident.
Ukrainian authorities fear the potential overheating of fuel in the reactors over several weeks, leading to a meltdown. There are indications that Russia is close to installing a power line to the plant, possibly passing through occupied territories to address the impending crisis they have instigated.
“They will likely portray themselves as heroes,” noted the same Ukrainian official. Following their meeting, Grossi and Putin have not elaborated on the crisis. Putin assured Grossi of support, possibly aiming to sway the ongoing conflict in his favor, especially after signals of increased U.S. backing for Ukraine’s territorial claims.
The U.S. President has pledged support for Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim lost territories, a stance contrasting with the initial position of the Trump administration when it assumed office in January.