Ukraine: Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant is cut off from external power

The Ukrainian nuclear power station on the front line of the war with Russia has lost its last external power line as UN inspectors prepare to release a report on its safety today.

A statement from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog, said that the back-up power line from the grid had been “deliberately disconnected to extinguish a fire”.

“The line was not damaged and for safety (the plant) is receiving electricity from its sole operating reactor,” the agency said.

Inspectors arrived at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant (ZNPP) in southern Ukraine last week. It was seized by Russian forces as they swept through the region at the start of the war but remained connected to the Ukrainian grid and continues to be run by the Ukrainian state nuclear energy company.

The largest nuclear plant in Europe, it overlooks Ukrainian forces on the other side of the Dnipro river and it has been repeatedly damaged in crossfire. Both sides accuse the other of being responsible for attacks that have struck near the plant and damaged cables.

The IAEA inspectors say there is no immediate danger of a catastrophic meltdown, with the reactor shields strong enough to resist missiles and back-up supply lines keeping operations running.

However, Ukrainian government officials have warned of a possible disaster if the situation continues. “The world is once again on the brink of a nuclear disaster,” German Galushchenko, the energy minister, said. “The de-occupation of the ZNPP and the creation of a demilitarised zone around it is the only way to ensure nuclear safety.”

Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, led a 14-strong team of inspectors across the front lines to visit the plant on Thursday, even as shelling continued on the nearby town.

The Ukrainians say the Russians have established military positions near the plant. Film of Grossi’s mission showed military vehicles emblazoned with the “Z” of the Russian military operation in Ukraine parked inside the plant itself, but with no weapons on show.

Six of the team stayed behind until yesterday to carry on their checks. Two will remain to monitor the plant, the IAEA said.

President Zelensky used his nightly television address to accuse the Russians of “provocations” over the plant. “Due to Russian provocation, the Zaporizhzhya plant is one step away from a radiation disaster,” he said.