Ukraine says Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant 'on verge' of another blackout

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine’s national nuclear energy provider said Thursday that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is "on the verge" of another blackout after an off-side power supply line was disconnected following Russian shelling in the area.

A statement by Energoatom on Telegram said the plant is currently connected to the nation’s power grid only through a power supply line that was recently restored by efforts of Ukrainian power industry specialists.

It said the plant could have another blackout should the last power line disconnect, which would be a “serious violation of the conditions for the safe operation of the plant.”

“The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant must immediately be returned under full control of Ukraine, its legal operator - Energoatom, and Russia must withdraw its militaries and military equipment from the plant!” it said.

It added that the plant has already experienced eight complete blackouts and one partial blackout since Russia took control of the facility.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest and one of the world’s 10 biggest, has been under Russian control since March 2022, soon after the start of the Ukraine war.

Fears of a nuclear catastrophe persist amid claims of shelling around the plant.