Concerns have risen about a potential crisis at a Ukrainian nuclear facility following the cutoff of power supply by Russia.
External power supply to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region has been disconnected for three days, raising worries about the six-reactor site located in Ukraine’s frontlines. The last power line leading to the plant was severed on the Russian side on Tuesday afternoon, with no indication of immediate reconnection.
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed deep concerns about the situation at the facility. Despite meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Thursday, the power supply remains disrupted.
Experts are apprehensive that Putin may be orchestrating a crisis to strengthen his hold on the disputed region. A Ukrainian official mentioned that Russia is using the nuclear plant as a bargaining tool, as reported by The Guardian.
While a nuclear power plant can function without external power for up to 72 hours, there are uncertainties beyond that timeframe, as per Ukrainian sources. Russian forces took control of the plant in March 2022, providing electricity to approximately 4 million households.
According to Russian operators, there is sufficient diesel to operate the generators for 20 days without refueling. Nonetheless, Grossi remains apprehensive about the potential for a nuclear incident.
Ukrainian officials are worried about the possibility of uncontrolled heating of fuel in the six reactors over several weeks, potentially leading to a meltdown. There are indications that Russia is close to installing a new power line into the plant through occupied territories to address the looming crisis, despite being the one who instigated it.
“They will try to depict themselves as heroes,” the same Ukrainian official remarked. Following their meeting, Grossi and Putin have not publicly addressed the crisis in detail.
Putin assured Grossi of support, stating, “We will do everything possible to assist your efforts.” This move by the Russian leader may be aimed at further tipping the ongoing conflict in his favor, especially following recent shifts in US support toward Ukraine.
The US President has endorsed Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim all lost territory, a goal initially disregarded by the Trump administration early in its term.