Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Loses External Power 15th Time; Zelenskyy Rejects Russian Presence
The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lost external power for the 15th time on April 26, relying on diesel generators for 90 minutes. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy told IAEA chief Grossi that any formalization of Russia's presence at the plant is unacceptable, stressing the need for its return to Ukrainian control for safe operation.
The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lost external power again on April 26, the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, Energoatom reported. The Ferosplavna-1 transmission line failed, causing a blackout. The plant's 19 backup diesel generators operated for 90 minutes. This marks the 15th external power failure since Russia seized the plant in 2022.
Energoatom warned that such incidents significantly increase nuclear and radiation safety risks across Europe. The company stated that only the plant's return to Ukrainian control under Energoatom can guarantee safe operation.
On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi that any formalization of Russia's presence at the ZNPP is inadmissible. They discussed temporary disconnections, unit capacity reductions, and the consequences of these actions. Zelenskyy emphasized that for safe operation, the plant must return to its licensed operator and Ukraine's nuclear regulator. He also confirmed an agreement to continue IAEA missions for continuous monitoring of the ZNPP's condition.