Power Supply Restored to Russia-Occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant After Month-Long Blackout

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest and located in the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia region, has had its external power supply restored after nearly a month-long blackout caused by repeated shelling and damage to power lines amid ongoing conflict. This restoration followed complex negotiations brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which also facilitated temporary ceasefire zones for repair work on critical power lines. The plant, controlled by Russian forces since March 2022, had been relying on emergency diesel generators for cooling, posing an unprecedented nuclear safety risk beyond standard safety limits. Ukrainian energy officials emphasized that the only long-term solution to nuclear safety is the plant's liberation and demilitarization, returning full control to Ukrainian operators. The IAEA continues to coordinate with both parties to repair additional lines and maintain safety, with radiation levels remaining within normal limits. This incident marks the tenth blackout at the plant since the Russian invasion began, underscoring the ongoing risks to nuclear and radiation safety in the region.