On Saturday, Ukraine announced that Russia has disconnected the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which it controls, from the electrical grid and plans to “steal” it by reconnecting it under its supervision, warning of the associated dangers.
The Russian forces took control of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in March 2022, halting operations of its six reactors, which still require electricity for cooling purposes.
The facility has experienced frequent power outages due to its proximity to front lines, but this current outage has lasted longer than any previously since the start of the conflict in 2022.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated on social media that “due to Russian activities, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been without electricity for four days,” urging “all nations concerned about nuclear safety and security to convey to Russia the necessity of ceasing its nuclear gamble.”
He added that “Russia has established power lines extending 200 kilometers in preparation for an attempt to ‘steal’ the plant, reconnect it to their grid, and restart operations.”
In response, Russia claimed that the plant has been operating on backup power since Tuesday.
The operating company reported on Saturday that “since September 23, 2025, the electrical supply needed for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is being provided via backup diesel generators.”
They noted that the available fuel allows for “an extended period of operation,” and that reactor cooling is being maintained “fully.”
The operator had previously alleged on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces were responsible for the power outage at the facility.
Kuleba, for his part, accused the operators of the plant of “ignoring any considerations for nuclear safety to appease their superiors in Moscow,” deeming that “Russia’s attempt to re-establish connections to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant could pose the greatest risks thus far.”
Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Friday.
Grossi stated on social media that he discussed “security and safety” at the Zaporizhzhia plant with Rosatom, the Russian nuclear energy agency.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grechus also confirmed in a social media statement on Friday that the Russian military shelled and “damaged” the sole line connecting the plant to the Ukrainian electrical grid, resulting in its disconnection.