Is a new Chernobyl possible: experts explain real risks at ZNPP
1 October 2025 23:02
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is the largest nuclear power facility in Europe. It has been under occupation by the Russian military for a long time, which has caused concern both in Ukraine and abroad.
However, experts emphasize that despite the real risks, it is important to take the situation soberly and not panic. There are many myths in society about the possible consequences of the ZNPP accident that are not true. based on expert opinions, [comersant] has collected and debunked the most common ones.
No need for iodine prophylaxis
One of the most common fears is the need for preventive iodine intake. There is a public perception that it can save lives in the event of a nuclear accident at ZNPP. However, experts assure that none of the possible scenarios foresees such a need.
Radioactive iodine is released only during the operation of power units. At present, all reactors at Zaporizhzhia NPP are shut down, so the formation of this substance is impossible. Iodine prophylaxis in the absence of a source of radioactive iodine is not only useless, but can also be harmful to health.
Zaporizhzhia NPP does not pose a threat greater than Chornobyl
Another myth is related to the statement that in the event of an accident, Zaporizhzhia NPP will release more radiation than the Chornobyl plant in 1986. In fact, the situation is fundamentally different.
At Chornobyl, graphite was used to slow down neutrons, which releases radioactive products during combustion. This was one of the reasons for the large-scale radiation release after the accident. The Zaporizhzhia NPP does not have such material: water is used for this function, and the reactors themselves have a protective shell that reduces the risk of hazardous substances leaking.
An explosion on the scale of Chernobyl is impossible
Some reports frighten the population by claiming that a possible explosion at ZNPP would be even more powerful than the Chornobyl disaster. However, experts emphasize that this is impossible.
When the Chornobyl accident occurred, all four power units were operating. At Zaporizhzhia NPP, all reactors are currently shut down. This means that even in the event of damage, an uncontrolled nuclear explosion cannot occur. Potential risks relate primarily to the safety of nuclear fuel cooling, but they are not capable of causing a 1986-scale disaster.
Radiation will not cover the whole of Ukraine
Another common myth concerns the extent of possible radioactive contamination. There are often fears that in the event of an accident at ZNPP, radiation will cover the whole of Ukraine. In reality, the situation is much more complicated.
Experts explain that it is extremely difficult to predict the spread of radiation. The main factor is the wind, whose direction and strength can change several times a day. That is, even in the case of a localized leak of radioactive substances, the consequences will depend on weather conditions, and it is incorrect to talk about the entire territory of the country being affected.
A number of experts emphasize that the occupation of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe does pose a serious threat. But exaggerating the risks only contributes to the spread of panic.
ZNPP has several protection systems that reduce the likelihood of a repeat of the Chernobyl scenario. The main dangers today are associated with the actions of the occupation forces, which impede the work of personnel and repair work. However, a sober perception of the situation will help society avoid destructive fears and misinformation.
Read also: IAEA explains why restart of Zaporizhzhia NPP is not possible at present
What is happening at Zaporizhzhia NPP now
The critical situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP has been going on for eight days now. This is the first time in the history of a nuclear power plant that it has been in danger for more than a week.
Emergency generators are keeping the cooling and safety systems running, but there are no signs that the power supply line will be restored anytime soon.
Western experts and Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns that Russia is artificially creating a crisis situation to secure control over Europe’s largest nuclear power plant. The operating conditions of one or more reactors in the combat zone pose significant risks to the Russian side.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that the situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP occupied by the Russian military has approached critical levels and threatens not only Ukraine but also a number of European countries with a man-made disaster.
This is a threat to everyone. No terrorist in the world has ever allowed himself to do to a nuclear power plant what Russia is doing now. And it is right that the world should not be silent,” Zelensky said.
The President clarified that due to Russian shelling, the plant was disconnected from the power grid. It is supplied with electricity from diesel generators. But the generators and the station are not designed for this and have never worked in this mode for so long. In addition, one of the generators has already failed. The Russians themselves are preventing the repair of power lines to the plant and the restoration of basic security through shelling.
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Zelenskyy also added that he had already held a meeting with the military and the Ministry of Energy and instructed the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to draw the world’s attention to what is happening at ZNPP.
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