“Ukrenergo restores power to ZNPP after emergency shutdown due to shelling
4 July 23:32
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which remains under the temporary occupation of Russian troops, is once again receiving electricity from the territory controlled by Ukraine. This was reported by the press service of Ukrenergo, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
According to the company, on July 4, specialists promptly restored the operation of the high-voltage power line that feeds the ZNPP. Prior to that, the plant had been operating on backup diesel generators for several hours after an emergency shutdown caused by enemy shelling.
What happened
During the Russian attack on the infrastructure, one of the key power lines of ZNPP was damaged and emergency shutdown. Due to the high level of danger, power engineers could not immediately begin repairs.
At this time, the nuclear power plant was forced to switch to diesel generators as a last resort to keep critical safety systems running.
Despite the difficult conditions, Ukrenergo’s teams were able to restore the line as soon as the danger level was reduced. At present, the power supply to ZNPP is stabilized.
Why it is important
Zaporizhzhia NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and any power outages pose risks to nuclear safety not only in Ukraine but also in the entire region. Constant power supply is essential for the operation of reactor cooling systems and other vital technological processes.
Ukraine has repeatedly called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia to de-occupy ZNPP and ensure safe operation of the facility under IAEA supervision.
A complete loss of external power is one of the most dangerous situations at a nuclear facility. If the diesel generators are shut down, there is a risk of failure of the cooling systems, which could lead to a radiation disaster.
on March 4, 2022, Russian troops seized ZNPP after fighting in the city of Enerhodar (Zaporizhzhia region). Since then, the plant has been under full Russian control, although the ZNPP staff are mostly Ukrainian workers who work under pressure from the occupation administration.
Militarization of the plant:
- Russia has turned the nuclear facility into a military base: heavy equipment, artillery, air defense, and personnel were deployed on the territory of ZNPP.
- From there, the Russians regularly shelled Ukrainian positions, using the nuclear power plant as a shield.
Nuclear danger:
- NPPs have been repeatedly damaged by shelling:
- Power lines,
- Auxiliary infrastructure,
- Cooling systems.
- The plant has repeatedly switched to emergency mode, and the eighth blackout occurred on July 4, 2025.
Seizure and pressure on the staff:
- Employees were forced to sign contracts with the Russian state-owned company Rosatom.
- Some staff were abducted, some were tortured, and others were forced to resign and evacuate.
International reaction
- TheIAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) regularly records security violations at the plant.
- IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has repeatedly called for the creation of a safe zone around the plant, but Russia ignores these calls.
- Russia refuses to return ZNPP to Ukraine and does not agree to joint international control.
Potential threats
- Nuclear catastrophe: in case of a power outage or a breakdown in reactor cooling, overheating and radiation release is possible.
- Provocations: Russia may stage accidents or shelling to blame Ukraine.
- Use of the plant as a blackmail tool: by Moscow to put pressure on Western countries and Ukraine.
As of July 2025:
- None of the power units are operating in normal mode (reactors are switched to cold/hot state).
- The plant is powered by diesel generators after the last power line strike.
- russia continues to control the facility and use it to cover its troops.
The occupied ZNPP is one of the main nuclear threats in Europe since Chernobyl. russia has turned it from an energy facility into a lever of nuclear blackmail, which requires a strong response from the international community.
