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IAEA Accused of Concealing Russian Sabotage at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
Greenpeace Ukraine has leveled serious allegations against the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), claiming the organization failed to disclose that Russia deliberately sabotaged the electricity line at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and then refused to make repairs despite minimal damage.
For 25 days, Europe’s largest nuclear facility has been operating solely on emergency diesel generators following the disconnection of the 750kV electricity line on September 23 – the plant’s last remaining external power connection.
Russian officials have repeatedly claimed that Ukrainian military strikes near the transmission tower prevented repair crews from accessing and reconnecting the nuclear plant. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has appeared to support this position, suggesting that a local ceasefire agreement was necessary before Russia could undertake repairs.
However, high-resolution satellite imagery published on October 1 and analyzed by former UK military experts at McKenzie Intelligence Services (MIS) contradicts these claims. The analysis, commissioned by Greenpeace Ukraine, confirmed no evidence of shelling or attacks by Ukraine at the 750kV transmission tower location. McKenzie analysts concluded that any damage to the transmission infrastructure was minimal and could have been easily repaired.
“Why has IAEA Director General Grossi repeated Russian nuclear disinformation?” questioned Shaun Burnie, senior nuclear specialist at Greenpeace Ukraine. “At any time since September 23, Russia could have repaired and reconnected the vital power link to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactors. This was a deliberate, managed nuclear crisis manufactured in the Kremlin.”
Burnie suggested Russia has clear intentions to reconnect the plant to the occupied grid in Zaporizhzhia and move toward reactor restart – a plan he described as “extremely dangerous.”
The timing of the crisis is particularly troubling. When the power line disconnection occurred in September, Director General Grossi was attending a Russian nuclear industry gathering in Moscow, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
External electricity lines are crucial for maintaining cooling systems and other safety functions at nuclear facilities. The plant’s other potential power source – a 330kV grid connection running north across the Dnipro river to Nikopol – has been unavailable since May 7, 2025, following repeated Russian military attacks.
After weeks of negotiations, Russia has finally agreed to a ceasefire that will permit Ukrainian engineers from the national grid operator UkrEnergo to repair the damage, a process expected to take several days.
Greenpeace analysis has also documented the construction of over 200km of new electricity lines between Melitopol and Mariupol. Experts anticipate Russia will continue engineering works on electricity infrastructure in the illegally occupied Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions.
Jan Vande Putte, radiation and nuclear expert at Greenpeace Ukraine, warned: “This crisis will be repeated again and again by Russia so long as they remain at the nuclear site and go unpunished for their crimes.” He called for the international community to prevent Russian plans for restarting reactors at ZNPP and to force the de-occupation of the nuclear plant.
The situation at Zaporizhzhia highlights the ongoing nuclear safety risks stemming from the war in Ukraine. As Europe’s largest nuclear facility remains under Russian control, the potential for further safety incidents raises concerns not just for Ukraine but for nuclear security across the European continent.
The IAEA, as the world’s nuclear watchdog, faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of the situation and questions about its ability to maintain independence amid geopolitical pressures surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
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15 Comments
The IAEA needs to take a firm, evidence-based stance on what is happening at Zaporizhzhia. Allowing Russia’s claims to go unchallenged, even if it means confronting them directly, would be a major dereliction of their responsibilities.
You’re right. The IAEA must be willing to speak truth to power, even when it means contradicting the Kremlin’s narrative. Anything less will undermine their credibility and the safety of the nuclear plant.
This is a deeply concerning development. The IAEA’s role as an independent, international watchdog is critical for managing nuclear risks. If they are indeed failing to counter Kremlin disinformation, it could have grave consequences for the plant and the region.
This is a very troubling accusation against the IAEA. Their impartiality and commitment to nuclear safety must be above reproach. If they are indeed failing to counter Russian disinformation, it’s a serious breach of their mandate that needs to be addressed urgently.
This is a complex and fast-moving situation, but the IAEA’s credibility and impartiality are critical. They must investigate the allegations thoroughly and ensure their public statements are fully aligned with the evidence, even if it contradicts Russia’s claims.
This is a very serious and concerning situation. The IAEA must be fully transparent and hold Russia accountable for any sabotage or interference at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. The safety and security of the facility and surrounding communities must be the top priority.
Agreed. The IAEA needs to conduct a thorough, independent investigation and ensure Russia provides full access to repair the power lines and address any other issues. Minimizing nuclear risks should be the only consideration.
The IAEA has a critical role to play in this crisis, and they must remain steadfastly neutral and transparent. Any perception of bias or collusion with the Kremlin would undermine their authority and credibility on nuclear issues worldwide.
Absolutely. The IAEA must act swiftly and decisively to establish the facts, protect the plant, and counter any false narratives from Russia. Anything less would be a dereliction of their duty.
You make an excellent point. The IAEA’s impartiality and commitment to nuclear safety must be beyond reproach. If they are failing to counter Russian disinformation, it’s a serious breach of their mandate that requires urgent action.
This is a deeply concerning development, if true. The IAEA’s role as an independent, international watchdog is critical for managing nuclear risks. They must investigate these allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action to uphold their credibility and mandate.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is a powder keg, and the IAEA needs to be a neutral arbiter that prioritizes safety over politics. Any appearance of being complicit in Russian disinformation would be a devastating blow to their reputation and mission.
Absolutely. The IAEA must act swiftly and decisively to establish the facts, protect the plant, and counter any false narratives from Russia. Anything less would be a dereliction of their duty.
It’s deeply troubling if the IAEA and its leadership are failing to counter Kremlin disinformation about the Zaporizhzhia plant. Given the high stakes involved, they must be proactive in presenting the facts and holding Russia to account.
This latest report from Greenpeace Ukraine is very concerning. The IAEA needs to regain the public’s trust by demonstrating its commitment to nuclear safety and security, regardless of political pressures.