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Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant at Risk Amid Russian Attacks

Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has heightened fears of a nuclear disaster, with the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant repeatedly caught in the crossfire. As Moscow escalates attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, concerns over nuclear security continue to grow.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Grossi, has announced plans to visit Moscow in the coming days to meet with Russian officials. His visit comes as part of ongoing efforts to prevent further threats to Ukraine’s nuclear facilities.

“I have insisted on maintaining direct communication with both Kyiv and Moscow since the start of the war,” Grossi told reporters. He highlighted the importance of dialogue, having previously met with President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and top Russian nuclear officials.

Grossi confirmed that there have been several close calls at Zaporizhzhia, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, which has been under Russian control since the early days of the invasion. Due to its proximity to the front lines, he refrained from blaming either side for strikes that have endangered the facility.

Ukraine relies on three active nuclear power plants that provide more than half of the country’s electricity. However, Russia’s systematic targeting of power infrastructure has put the stability of these plants at risk.

During his visit to Kyiv on Tuesday, Grossi inspected a damaged electrical substation and warned that continued strikes on energy grids could disrupt cooling systems at nuclear plants, leading to serious safety threats.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s repeated strikes on energy facilities, stating, “Nuclear power plants should never be targeted under any circumstances.” He also accused Russia of imprisoning two Ukrainian engineers from the Zaporizhzhia plant, allegedly for possessing pro-Ukrainian content on their phones.

Russia’s Energy Strikes Raise Fears of Nuclear Fallout

Moscow has intensified its campaign against Ukraine’s energy grid, aiming to cripple essential services such as electricity, heating, and water supply while disrupting Ukraine’s defense industry.

Although the six reactors at Zaporizhzhia have been shut down for months, they still require continuous power and skilled personnel to maintain critical cooling systems. Strikes on electrical substations have significantly increased the risks—if external power sources are lost, emergency diesel generators become the only safeguard against a nuclear meltdown.

Grossi’s upcoming diplomatic mission to Moscow underscores the urgent need for nuclear safety measures as the war continues to endanger Ukraine, Europe, and global stability.