The Russians deliberately cut off power to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, preparing it for connection to their own power grid. Further actions by the occupiers could lead to a nuclear disaster.
This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
“Russia deliberately cut off power to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This was a manual shutdown, which was a test, as Russia is preparing to reconnect the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP to its power grid. Russia’s next step will be even more dangerous: launching the reactor under occupation — without proper cooling, without the appropriate licenses and oversight procedures,” the statement said.
Sybiha called it an irresponsible move made solely to demonstrate Putin’s control. According to the minister, such actions by Russia increase the risk of nuclear incidents.
“The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant should be viewed as a military maneuver. Every step Russia takes is not only a deadly risk but also a path to disaster. The recent blackout at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, caused by a Russian strike on a substation, once again demonstrated how Moscow uses nuclear safety as a weapon,” Sybiha said.
Ukraine calls on the IAEA, its member states, and international partners to take all possible measures to protect the ZNPP. In particular, this includes security guarantees, temporary ceasefires, unhindered access for repair crews, and the provision of specialized equipment to restore backup lines and external power sources.