'Serious incident' at Ukraine power plant as 'Chernobyl 2' nuclear accident fears soar

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared a serious incident at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) during a localized ceasefire, where Russian military personnel were injured while de-mining and repairing power infrastructure. The IAEA, which brokered the ceasefire, emphasized the urgency of restoring the plant’s external power supply, including the 750 kV Dniprovska line, which has been out of service for over two months. The plant currently relies on a single backup connection, the 330 kV Ferosplavna line, which has been disconnected repeatedly, including today, leaving it vulnerable to conflict-related disruptions. The incident occurred as efforts progressed to clear mines and repair critical power lines serving the facility. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called for 'maximum military restraint' to ensure repairs proceed safely, warning that repeated power losses pose severe risks to nuclear safety. The ZNPP has experienced 18 off-site power outages since Russia’s invasion, forcing reliance on emergency diesel generators to maintain cooling systems. The plant, under Russian control since 2022, remains a flashpoint in the war, with international concerns over potential nuclear accidents. Ukrainian officials confirmed adherence to the ceasefire, while experts have previously warned that attacks near nuclear infrastructure could trigger a disaster comparable to the 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe. The IAEA’s warning follows reports of a drone strike near the plant last week, marking the first confirmed attack within its perimeter since April 2024. Restoring the 750 kV Dniprovska line is critical to stabilizing the plant’s power supply, Grossi stated, stressing that nuclear safety is a shared global priority. The ZNPP, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has faced repeated disruptions, including attacks on substations across the Dnipro River, further straining its operational resilience.