IAEA Confirms No Immediate Danger at Russian-Controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Amid Power Outage

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, currently under Russian control, remains without external electricity since late September but is considered safe for now due to the operation of emergency diesel generators, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Despite the IAEA's assessment of "no immediate danger," both IAEA Director Rafael Grossi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have emphasized that the situation is critical and unsustainable for nuclear safety if power is not restored. The plant, Europe's largest with six reactors, is vital for Ukraine's electricity and has faced repeated shelling, power outages, and staff challenges amid ongoing conflict. Ukrainian authorities have raised alarms about the precarious nature of relying on backup generators not designed for long-term use, highlighting the potential risks of a nuclear accident. Additionally, Kyiv has experienced intense Russian shelling and drone activity, prompting increased military alertness and precautionary measures from neighboring countries such as Poland. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to restore power to the facility to avoid escalation of nuclear safety risks.