Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Offline for a Week, Zelenskyy Sounds Alarm

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised alarm over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, warning that the facility has remained disconnected from Ukraine’s electricity grid for seven consecutive days. The plant, which is located in Russian-occupied territory, is Europe’s largest nuclear facility and has been a focus of global concern since the start of the war.

Zelenskyy said the ongoing power disconnection poses a “critical” risk to both Ukraine and the wider region. The nuclear plant requires a steady power supply to keep cooling systems running, which are essential to preventing overheating and ensuring safety.

“The station being off the grid for such a long time is extremely dangerous,” Zelenskyy emphasized, adding that the situation cannot be ignored.

The Zaporizhzhia facility has been caught in the middle of ongoing fighting since Russia took control of the site in 2022. Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of shelling near the plant, raising fears of a potential disaster.

International agencies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have repeatedly called for the area around the plant to be demilitarized to ensure safety. Despite these appeals, the site continues to operate under high tension, with limited access for independent monitors.

Experts warn that a prolonged shutdown or disruption at Zaporizhzhia could destabilize nuclear safety systems. While emergency backup generators are in place, they are not designed for long-term use. The risk, Zelenskyy pointed out, is not just for Ukraine but for “the entire world.”

World leaders have also expressed concern, urging Russia to restore safe operations at the plant. The European Union and the United States have said they are closely monitoring developments.

Zelenskyy reiterated his call for stronger international measures to secure the facility. “We must prevent a catastrophe before it happens,” he said. “Zaporizhzhia is not only Ukraine’s concern—it is Europe’s and the world’s responsibility.”