Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has remained disconnected from the power grid for seven consecutive days, raising fears of a potentially critical situation.
The outage marks the longest turmoil at Europe’s largest nuclear facility since Russian forces seized it during the early stages of the 2022 invasion. Zelenskyy said ongoing Russian shelling has prevented the restoration of a power line crucial for cooling the reactors and avoiding a potential meltdown.
It is now the seventh day – something that has never happened before – of an emergency situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Because of Russian shelling, the plant has been cut off from power, disconnected from the electrical grid, and is being supplied with… pic.twitter.com/hUSusfgVjy
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 30, 2025
Zelenskyy stated that, “This is the seventh day. There has never before been such an emergency at the Zaporizhzhia plant. The situation is critical. Russian shelling has cut the plant off from the electricity network.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it is working with both Ukraine and Russia to restore the external power line. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that the plant is relying on diesel generators for emergency power, which currently prevents immediate danger. However, Zelenskyy noted that one of these generators has already failed, intensifying concerns.
Grossi remarked that, “The plant is currently coping thanks to its emergency diesel generators, the last line of defence and there is no immediate danger as long as they keep working. However, this is clearly not a sustainable situation in terms of nuclear safety. Neither side would benefit from a nuclear accident.”
Located near the city of Enerhodar along the Dnipro River, the Zaporizhzhia plant houses six reactors and is near the frontline of the conflict. Although it is not producing electricity at present, external power is needed to ensure the reactor fuel remains cool. This marks the tenth occasion since the conflict began that the plant has been disconnected from the grid.
Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s actions, stating that, “No terrorist in the world has ever dared to do with a nuclear power plant what Russia is doing now. And it is right that the world not remain silent.”
Grossi added that military activity on both sides has restricted essential repairs. The plant currently operates eight diesel generators, with nine units on standby and three undergoing maintenance. He urged both parties to cooperate with the IAEA to allow vital repairs.
Russian officials have not commented on the latest reports regarding the plant’s condition. IAEA monitors remain stationed at Zaporizhzhia and Ukraine’s three other nuclear power stations to ensure ongoing oversight of nuclear safety.
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