Russia Disconnects Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant to Connect Own Grid Amid Safety Concerns

Russia has deliberately disconnected the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) from Ukraine's power grid as a test and is preparing to connect it to its own power system, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. This disconnection leaves the plant without its main external power source, relying on emergency diesel generators, which raises severe safety concerns. Sybiha warned that Russia may restart the reactor under occupation without proper cooling, licenses, or external oversight, significantly increasing the risk of nuclear incidents. The Ukrainian government views the occupation and repeated attacks on nuclear facilities, including Zaporizhzhia and Chornobyl, as part of Russia's war strategy, weaponizing nuclear safety. Sybiha has called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure unhindered access for repair crews, security guarantees, ceasefire windows, and the provision of specialized equipment to restore the plant's power supply safely. The situation remains critical as the international community is urged to increase pressure on Russia to protect nuclear sites according to IAEA safety standards.