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Russia Prepares to Target Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant’s Power Lines, Sources Warn
Russia is preparing to target the power lines of Europe’s largest nuclear facility, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), in a potential strike that could unfold within days, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Ukrainian intelligence had previously warned that Moscow was weighing attacks on critical energy infrastructure. In a January 17 statement, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry cautioned that Russia was considering strikes on electricity transmission substations that ensure the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants, reportedly as leverage to force Ukraine into accepting unfavorable surrender terms.
“The threat is at ZNPP,” a source told Fox News Digital on condition of anonymity. “There are talks of a massive attack either tonight or in the coming nights. The talks within the Ukrainian government are about ZNPP and the lines, and these talks have not been for the first time.”
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in southern Ukraine, consists of six VVER-1000 pressurized water reactors and has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. While the reactors are no longer producing electricity, the plant requires external power to maintain crucial cooling and safety systems.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly warned that disruptions to off-site power supplies pose significant nuclear safety risks. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized this concern in a January 16 statement following a localized ceasefire negotiated to repair a damaged backup power line at the plant.
“The IAEA continues to work closely with both sides to ensure nuclear safety at the ZNPP and to prevent a nuclear accident during the conflict,” Grossi stated. “A deterioration of Ukraine’s power grid from persistent military activity has direct implications on the nuclear safety of its nuclear facilities.”
The source suggested the potential attack may be retaliation for Ukraine’s strikes on Russian energy assets. “Information also from the Ukrainian Parliament and Ukrainian Security Service is that the Russian army told the Ukrainian army that if they don’t stop shelling their tankers in the sea or shelling their oil refineries, as well as their electric stations, then they will fully destroy Kyiv energy facilities as well.”
This threat comes amid Russia’s ongoing campaign against Ukrainian energy infrastructure. According to The Associated Press, Russia targeted energy facilities in the Odesa region overnight on Sunday, continuing a pattern of strikes that have severely damaged Ukraine’s power grid during the harsh winter months.
The timing is particularly concerning as Ukraine faces brutally cold temperatures. “To actually preserve the energy in the country when it is minus 20 outside and people are literally suffering hugely,” the source added. “People don’t have electricity, don’t have warmth, and some don’t even have water.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently urged NATO allies to expedite deliveries of additional air-defense missiles, warning that some defense systems are running low on ammunition. These systems are crucial for protecting vital infrastructure from Russian strikes.
The nuclear safety implications of any attack on ZNPP’s power lines extend beyond Ukraine’s borders. As Europe’s largest nuclear facility, any compromise to the plant’s safety systems could have regional consequences, which explains the IAEA’s continued presence and mediation efforts at the site.
The January 16 temporary ceasefire was the fourth such agreement negotiated by the IAEA to allow for critical repairs at the plant, highlighting the ongoing precarity of the situation despite international monitoring.
As Ukraine continues to endure one of its most challenging winters since the conflict began, the threat to its nuclear infrastructure adds another layer of danger to an already dire humanitarian situation for millions of Ukrainians.
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12 Comments
This news is extremely concerning. Targeting the power lines of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant could have catastrophic consequences for the region and beyond. I hope the international community can take decisive action to deter Russia from carrying out this reckless plan and ensure the safety of the facility.
I agree, this is a very serious situation that requires urgent attention. The potential for a nuclear disaster is simply too high to ignore. Diplomatic efforts must be made to prevent this attack and safeguard the Zaporizhzhia plant.
I’m deeply worried about the potential impact of this planned attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Disrupting the power supply to such a critical facility could have devastating consequences for the environment and public safety. I hope diplomatic efforts can prevent this from happening.
This is a very concerning development. Targeting the power lines of a nuclear power plant is an extremely risky and potentially catastrophic move. I hope the international community can intervene to deter Russia from carrying out this attack and ensure the safety of the Zaporizhzhia facility.
Absolutely. The potential consequences of such an attack are simply too grave to ignore. The international community must act swiftly to prevent this from happening and protect the Zaporizhzhia plant and the surrounding region.
I’m curious to know more about the motivations behind this potential strike. Is Russia trying to gain leverage over Ukraine or is there a broader strategic objective at play here? This situation requires close monitoring and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
You raise a good point. Russia may be seeking to disrupt Ukraine’s power supply and weaken its position, but the risks of targeting a nuclear facility are extremely high. Careful negotiations will be needed to find a peaceful resolution.
The prospect of Russia targeting the power lines of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is deeply alarming. This facility is crucial for Ukraine’s energy supply, and any disruption to its operations could have far-reaching consequences. I hope the international community can intervene to prevent this attack and ensure the plant’s continued safe operation.
This is very concerning news. Attacking the power lines of a nuclear power plant could have catastrophic consequences for the environment and public safety. I hope the international community can intervene to prevent such a reckless action.
Absolutely, this cannot be allowed to happen. The Zaporizhzhia plant is crucial for Ukraine’s energy supply and any damage to it would be devastating.
It’s alarming to hear that Russia is planning such a reckless and dangerous attack. The Zaporizhzhia plant is a critical piece of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and any disruption to its power lines could have far-reaching consequences. I hope diplomacy can prevail and prevent this from happening.
This news is deeply troubling. The Zaporizhzhia plant is Europe’s largest nuclear facility, and any damage to its power infrastructure could have catastrophic consequences. I hope the international community can take swift action to prevent this attack and ensure the safety of the plant.