Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant crisis

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has become the center of an ongoing nuclear safety crisis, described by Ukraine as an act of nuclear terrorism by Russia.[1]

IAEA mission observing shell damage to a building housing solid radioactive waste and fresh nuclear fuel in September 2022

The plant, which is the largest of its kind in Europe, has seen destruction of its infrastructure via shelling, damage to its power lines, amounting to what Ukrainian authorities call the largest situation of its kind in history. A potential disaster may exceed the scale of previous disasters at nuclear power plants.[2][3]

According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), "The situation in Ukraine is unprecedented. It is the first time a military conflict has occurred amid the facilities of a large, established nuclear power" program.[4] Nuclear safety expert Attila Aszódi said that an event similar in type and scale to the Chernobyl disaster is technically and physically not possible in the Zaporizhzhia plant, while calling for urgent steps to ensure the safety of the plant.[5] The Bellona Foundation called the crisis "something the world nuclear energy community never thought it would see — and thus never prepared for."[6]

Timeline

2022

The plant has been occupied by Russian forces since 3 March 2022. On 5 July 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported that Russian forces arranged a military base in the complex by deploying heavy self-propelled multiple rocket launcher BM-30 Smerch.[7] On 19–20 July, three Ukrainian suicide drones attacked Russian "Grad" launcher and military tents at the site. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense said that three Russian occupiers were killed and twelve injured.[8] The occupation administration was reported as saying that at least eleven employees were injured. An occupation official said the reactors were not damaged and it was unlikely they were the target.[9]

 
Reactor 2 during the September IAEA inspection

On 3 August 2022, Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, expressed grave concerns about the physical integrity of the plant, whether all necessary repairs and maintenance were being done, and the security of nuclear material.[10] A mission to inspect the plant was being planned by the IAEA, waiting on approval by Ukrainian and Russian sides, as well as United Nations authorisation. Energoatom opposed an IAEA visit because "any visit would legitimise Russia's presence there". Occupation official Yevhen Balytskyi invited IAEA to visit to show how the Russians were guarding the facility while Ukrainians were attacking it.[11] On 5 August the 750 kV electrical switchboard at the plant was shelled, causing three transformers to shutdown and one of the three operating reactors to be disconnected from the grid, and triggering its emergency protection system.[12][13]

On 8 August, damage was reported at the plant. Ukrainian authorities said that Russian shelling had damaged three radiation sensors and left a worker hospitalised; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of waging "nuclear terror". Local Russian-backed authorities said that Ukrainian forces had hit the site with a multiple rocket launcher, damaging administrative buildings and an area near a nuclear storage facility. UN secretary general Guterres said "any attack to a nuclear plant is a suicidal thing", calling for IAEA inspectors to be given access.[14] Energoatom called for a demilitarised zone around the plant with international peacekeepers deployed.[15]

On 9 August, the head of Energoatom said that Russia planned to disconnect the station from the Ukrainian grid and connect it to the Russian grid.[16]

On 11 August, Russia called a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the situation at the plant. The Russian delegation stated that Ukrainian forces had on 5 August used heavy artillery to shell the plant, and on 6 August attacked with cluster munitions; they supported a visit by the IAEA. The Ukrainian delegation stated that Russia had "staged shelling of the nuclear power plant", that Russia used the plant to shell Ukrainian towns, and they also supported a visit by the IAEA traveling through Ukrainian controlled territory. The United Arab Emirates delegation reiterated that Article 56 of the Geneva Conventions Protocol I outlawed attacks on nuclear electrical-generating stations. Grossi said the situation was "very alarming" but there was no immediate threat to nuclear safety, though the situation could change.[17][18]

Also on 11 August, the plant was shelled several times, including near where radioactive materials were stored. Ukraine said that Russia did the shelling, while Russian officials said that Ukraine did it.[19][20] On 14 August, Zelenskyy accused Russia of stationing troops at the plant to fire at the cities of Nikopol and Marhanets across Kakhovka Reservoir.[21] In the second half of August a video emerged that showed Russian military trucks and armored vehicles parked in buildings that housed generating turbines, later confirmed in the IAEA inspection.[22][13]

 
IAEA expert mission leaving Vienna on 29 August 2022. Director-General Rafael Grossi at front; Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security Lydie Evrard in long sleeves; Head of the Department of Safeguards Massimo Aparo with white shoelaces.

On 19 August, Russia agreed to allow IAEA inspectors access to the Zaporizhzhia plant from Ukrainian-held territory, after a phone call between the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and Russian president, Vladimir Putin. A temporary ceasefire around the plant still needed to be agreed for the inspection.[23][24] Russia reported that 12 attacks with over 50 artillery shells explosions had been recorded at the plant and the staff town of Enerhodar, by 18 August.[25]

Also on 19 August, Tobias Ellwood, chair of the UK's Defence Select Committee, said that any deliberate damage to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant that could cause radiation leaks would be a "breach" of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, according to which an attack on a member state of NATO is considered an attack on all of them. The next day, United States congressman Adam Kinzinger said that any radiation leak would kill people in NATO countries, which would be an automatic activation of Article 5.[26][27]

Shelling hit coal ash dumps at the neighbouring coal-fired power station on 23 August, and ash was on fire by 25 August. The 750-kV transmission line to the Dniprovska substation, which was the only one of the four 750-kV transmission lines that had not yet been damaged and cut by military action, passes over the ash dumps. At 12:12pm on 25 August the line cut off due to the fire below, disconnecting the plant and its two operating reactors from the national grid for the first time since it started operating in 1985. In response, reactor 5's back-up generators and coolant pumps started up, and reactor 6 reduced generation. Incoming power was still available via the 330-kV line to the substation at the coal-fired station, so the diesel generators were not essential for cooling reactor cores and spent fuel pools. The 750-kV line and reactor 6 resumed operation at 12:29pm, but the line was cut by fire again two hours later. The line, but not the reactors, resumed operation again later that day.[28] On 26 August, one reactor restarted in the afternoon and another in the evening, resuming electricity supplies to the grid.[29] The reactors and spent fuel pools depend on water from the Kakhovka Reservoir for cooling. The reservoir is created by the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam, which is a main conflict location of the two war participants.[30][31]

IAEA inspection

 
Grossi, Evrard and IAEA mission team members at the plant on 1 September 2022

On 29 August, an IAEA expert mission led by Rafael Grossi left Vienna.[32] On 1 September 2022, the IAEA team passed through the frontline in armoured white land cruisers, where they were held at the first checkpoint outside Zaporizhzhia because of shelling reports.[33][34] In the previous few days the staff town of Enerhodar had been under intense shelling. Grossi said he was aware of "increased military activity in the area" but would press ahead with the visit. Russia accused Ukraine of trying to seize the plant that morning with 60 troops crossing the Dnieper river at 6 am local time. Energoatom said Russian shelling of the plant had forced the shutdown of one of the two operating reactors. The IAEA team arrived at 1 pm and commenced the inspection.[34][35][36] Grossi said that the "plant and physical integrity of the plant" had been "violated several times" and that IAEA inspectors would remain at the site.[37][35]

 
IAEA Director-General Grossi's press conference on 2 September 2022

On 2 September, Russia said IAEA inspectors will be allowed to remain permanently at the nuclear plant.[38] Ukrainian president Zelenskyy criticised the IAEA for not yet calling for the demilitarisation of the plant.[39] At a press conference that evening just after arriving back in Vienna, Grossi said six inspectors had remained at the plant, and two of those would stay permanently. They had been able to see all parts of the plant they requested to see, and the plant's staff worked in an admirable and professional way with the Russian occupier's nuclear experts. He said that some plant staff had decided to leave, while others continue to work; two reactors continue to operate. Physical damage had occurred at the plant, and the level of military operations in the region is increasing and on site there were references to military offensives and counter-offensives which concerns him a lot. He said inspectors would have a stabilising effect, but they could not stop the war or give the plant back to the Ukrainian authorities.[40][41] Energoatom responded by stating the IAEA inspectors were manipulated and lied to by the Russian occupiers.[42]

On 2 September, Ukraine's armed forces' general staff said that it carried out precision strikes around the staff town of Enerhodar.[43] That night or the following night Russian "Grad" MLRS launchers were filmed firing from the area of the nuclear power plant.[44]

On 3 September, Russia stated that it foiled a landing attempt by Ukrainian force of over 250 marines at about 11 pm that evening by using helicopters and fighter jets, destroying 20 vessels and scattering others.[45][46][47] Details of the landing operation different in time and across the media (TASS reported 15-40 speedboats,[48] Russian MoD reported 7 speedboats[49]), and no photographic or video evidence was presented for the landing, apart from a single video which was later revealed as staged.[50]

In the early hours of 3 September shelling cut the Dniprovska power line, the last working 750 kV power line from the plant, however electricity production continued using a 330 kV reserve power line via the nearby thermal power plant. A reactor was disconnected from the grid in the afternoon, leaving one in operation.[51][47][52] Energoatom said that reactor five had been disconnected from the grid due to "non-stop shelling by occupying Russian forces".[47]

On 5 September, the IAEA reported that more shells hit the plant. The 330 kV reserve power line to the nearby thermal power plant was temporarily disconnected for a fire to be extinguished, with the sole operating reactor provided electricity for safety systems. As planned, four inspectors left leaving the two permanent IAEA inspectors at the plant.[53]

On 7 September Centre for Information Resilience published a report analyzing the available open source footage of the shelling incidents over the last few months and concluded that the evidence such as direction of impact craters indicates the shelling originated from Russia-controlled areas, which is consistent with observed presence of Russian weapons such as MLRS on these areas.[54]

September 2022 IAEA report

 
The dry cask storage facility for spent nuclear fuel at the plant

On 6 September, the IAEA issued a report on the nuclear facilities in Ukraine. The report's main conclusion was that the occupation of the plant by Russian armed forces violates all seven pillars of nuclear safety[55][13]

  • In March during the Russian siege of the plant damaged training center, laboratory and administrative building were damaged by projectiles. During following months Russian cruise missiles were observed flying over the plant (but targeted elsewhere). In July Russian troops placed significant amounts of military equipment in the turbine halls of the plant as well as a number of armored vehicles outside. In August shelling damaged nitrogen-oxygen station, external power supplies, switchboards, transformers, spent fuel facility and cabling used by radiation monitoring system. Up to 40 units of military vehicles were located at the plant. A number of other damages were observed by the IAEA plant during 3 September.
  • Russian troops took control over the plant's security and access control systems. IAEA noted that plant's security systems should be operated "as designed and licensed" under Ukrainian legislation, and that presence of military vehicles inside plant violates operations of safety and security equipment of the plant.
  • IAEA noted presence of 11 staff from Rosatom who was demanding daily reports and "confidential information" from the plant's personnel, including details on the plants access control systems, operations, fuel and waste management and administrative procedures, creating "interference with the normal lines of operational command or authority". The situation had negative impact on the plant's staff, who has been working under significant and prolonged stress and pressure which can lead to increased likelihood of human error. The IAEA condemned violent acts carried out "at or near the ZNPP or against its staff". The mission also highlighted that the operating staff has limited access to numerous areas of the plant which are controlled by Russian military which hinders ability to repair damages.
  • Up to 40% positions related to physical protection were not staffed, with 907 people currently available for three shifts while normal staffing level was 1230. Insufficient number of fire brigade employees (80 vs normal 150) created a need to increase working shifts from 24 to 48 hours.
  • Two out of four main high-voltage lines were damaged during early occupation of the plant. Later, a third line was damaged. IAEA assessed that having in total five external supply lines the plant is safe to operate, but the safety margin has been limited. The plant also has 20 emergency diesel generators, some of which have been used during various shelling incidents damaging parts of the supply system.
  • Supply chains to and from the plant, including fuel, waste and spare parts, were interrupted by the occupation and delivery of spare parts for diesel generators became "extremely difficult" and possible mostly thanks to personal arrangements of the staff. Otherwise, material reserves of the plant were sufficient at 98.5%.
  • Apart from 24-hours' interruption caused by shelling, the radiation monitoring systems were operating as expected. Plants emergency center has been occupied by the military administration. Communications of the plant management with the Ukraine's nuclear regulator were frequently disrupted and later limited to mobile phone and email channels, subject to interference by the occupying military. No regulatory inspections have been possible since occupation started.

On 15 September, the IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution calling on Russia to leave the power plant. The resolution was supported by 26 countries and opposed by 2 (Russia and China).[56][57]

2022 shutdown

After the publication of the IAEA report, as shelling of the plant continued, the plant was operating disconnected from the grid in "island mode" for a few days. In that mode the last operational reactor was used to power the plant's own safety systems. On 11 September, at 3.14am, the sixth and final reactor was disconnected from the grid, "completely stopping" the plant. The statement from Energoatom said that "Preparations are underway for its cooling and transfer to a cold state".[58] Both sides continued to blame each other for the military action in and around the plant.[59]

 
A broken pipeline on the site damaged by the 21 September shelling

On 21 September, shelling within the plant damaged cables near unit 6 turbine hall, temporarily causing two of unit 6's three emergency diesel generators to run for about 40 minutes to provide power while repairs were made. The other five reactors were not affected. The previous day shelling took one of the reactor cooling ponds out of service.[60]

On 30 September, Ihor Murashov, director general of the plant, was detained by Russian soldiers. Energoatom said that Murashov's arrest threatened the safety of the plant, and accused Russia of attempting to transfer control of the plant to the Russian company Rosatom.[61] He was released within a few days and was evacuated to territory controlled by Ukraine.[62]

Autumn 2022 Potential restart

 
Grossi with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 11 October 2022

On 5 October, the Associated Press reported that in an interview, Energoatom President Petro Kotin said that the energy company could restart two of the reactors within days, with a decision to be made as early as 12 October, to protect safety installations. Kotin said that due to low temperatures over the coming winter, safety equipment will be damaged without heating, and that the only heating will come from the reactors.[63][64][65][66]

On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin decreed the takeover of the plant, and designated it as federal property. The head of Energoatom also announced the takeover.[67][68][69] The decree said that after the accession of Zaporizhzhia Oblast to the Russian Federation a new company would be formed, headed by the former chief engineer of Balakovo Nuclear Power Plant which has similar nuclear reactors. Existing operating licences would continue until new ones were issued in accordance with Russian laws.[70]

Ukraine called this an illegal attempt to take over the plant and called for sanctions against Rosatom and other Russian nuclear companies. Energoatom transferred administrative control of the plant to its headquarters in Kyiv.[70]

On 6 October, IAEA Director General Grossi had a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss developments regarding the ownership of the plant and IAEA's proposal of a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the plant.[71] Grossi then met Russian President Putin in Moscow on 11 October, after which Grossi decided to meet with Zelensky again.[72]

On 8 October, the plant lost its connection to external power supplies due to shelling, and backup diesel generators started. Each backup diesel generator has fuel to operate for 10 days, but not all need to be operated.[73][74] The following day, a 750 kV power line was repaired and connected to the grid. The IAEA reported that almost every day there was shelling in the region of the plant, and that a landmine had exploded outside the plant, part of a series of landmine blasts in recent weeks.[74] On 12 October, the plant again lost its connection to external power supplies due to shelling, the second time in a week.[75]

October 2022 Ukrainian attack

Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported a Ukrainian attempt to land troops at the plant from across the Dnipro River on 19 October 2022, reporting that Ukraine lost 90 troops and 14 boats in the attempt. Ukraine denied this at the time.[76] However The Times later confirmed the operation in 2023, after interviewing Ukrainian participants, reporting that on the night of 19 October, about 600 elite Ukrainian troops crossed the Dnipro River in over 30 armoured boats in an attack to try to recapture the power plant, supported by HIMARS missiles and artillery shell attacks onto the shoreline near Enerhodar. However most of the boats were forced to retreat under fire before landing, and only a small number of Ukrainian special forces reached the shore as dawn broke, engaging in a three hour long firefight on the outskirts of Enerhodar before retreating.[77] The Russian MOD stated there had been three earlier smaller Ukrainian failed attempts at landing troops across the river, on 1, 2-3 and 8–9 September 2022. The first on 1 September had delayed the arrival of the first IAEA inspection team.[76]

On 9 October 2023, just under a year later, chief of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov stated that Ukrainian intelligence units had made three failed attempts to capture Enerhodar and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in August 2022 and later. Specialist foreign soldiers of the International Legion participated in the third attack.[78][79]

November 2022 shelling

 
Shell damage on a Unit 4 reactor building wall from 19–20 November 2022, being measured by IAEA mission staff

On 19 and 20 November the nuclear power plant was subjected to the most intense bombing in months, as the head of the IAEA reported.[80] IAEA experts reported more than a dozen blasts, with "damage in several places", but none so far critical for nuclear safety as the external power supplies were not affected and radiation levels remained normal.[80][81] The IAEA said the forces behind the shelling were "playing with fire" and called for "urgent measures to help prevent a nuclear accident" in the Russian-occupied plant.[82][81]

Russia and Ukraine blamed each other for shelling the Russian-controlled plant.[80] Russia claimed that the large-calibre shells came from the Ukrainian-controlled city of Marhanets.[80] The Ukrainian nuclear energy agency said that Russia was responsible for the shelling, which they claimed had damaged exactly the infrastructure needed to restore energy production for Ukrainian needs.[81]

2023

UNSC May 2023 meeting

On 30 May 2023, Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, updated the United Nations Security Council on the situation. Military activities had continued with the loss of off-site power forcing the use of emergency diesel generators on seven occasions to operate essential spent fuel and reactor cooling, most recently a week previously. It had not been possible to get both sides to agree the details of a demilitarised safety and security zone around the plant. Instead Grossi asked both sides to agree to the principles:[83][84]

  1. no attack from or against the plant;
  2. no use of the plant as storage nor as a base for heavy weapons or military personnel;
  3. no placement of off-site power at risk;
  4. the protection of all essential structures, systems and components from attacks or sabotage;
  5. no action which undermines these principles.

Grossi requested and received UNSC support these principles. IAEA onsite experts, currently on their eighth rotation, will broaden their remit to report on breaches of these principles, which he would publicly report. There was increasing talk of more military action in the area, and he believed this was the bare minimum appropriate response to the threat. Grossi said that to date the IAEA team had not seen heavy military equipment onsite.[83]

The Ukrainian representative accused Russia of intimidating plant personnel, shelling the plant and mining its perimeter; and that 50 heavy weapons were in the turbine buildings of units 1, 2 and 4 of the plant. He said that Grossi's five principles should have included the requirement for the withdrawal of Russian troops and other personnel at the plant.[85][84] The Russian representative said they had supported the demilitarised safety and security zone plan, but that the unwillingness of Ukraine to negotiate had thwarted the initiative. He said there had never been any heavy weapons at the plant.[84]

2023 Kakhovka Dam breach

On 6 June 2023, the Kakhovka Dam was breached causing the depletion of the plant's main water source, the Kakhovka Reservoir, which is expected to be too low to use within a few days, though there are several alternative sources adequate for essential cooling water while the reactors are in the current shutdown state. The IAEA Director General said "Our current assessment is that there is no immediate risk to the safety of the plant".[86]

In July 2023, the cooling pond level was decreasing by 1-2 cm per day, which leaves sufficient water for several months. The IAEA reported plans to construct additional wells at the site to provide essential cooling water.[87] In October 2023, the IAEA reported that 11 recently completed underground wells were in operation, sufficient for all 12 sprinkler cooling ponds.[88]

2023 shutdown

It was reported that the sixth reactor was being kept in hot shutdown at 200 °C, to make it easier to restart if necessary and to provide winter heating to Enerhodar.[89] Two days later, on 8 June, the sixth reactor was put into cold shutdown as a safety precaution due to nearby flooding and shelling.[90] As of 4 July the 750 kV electric grid has been reconnected, which ensures routine operations of all plants safety systems in addition to the existing backup sources.[91]

As of mid July 2023, unit 5 was in hot shutdown, which the IAEA reported was necessary to produce steam for nuclear safety purposes, including the processing of liquid radioactive waste in storage tanks. It is planned to move unit 4 from cold to hot shutdown, to allow unit 5 to be placed in cold shutdown for regular preventative maintenance activities. The IAEA is urging the investigation of whether an external boiler can be installed as an alternative to keeping one unit in hot shutdown.[87][92]

In October 2023, a second reactor, unit 5 again after maintenance, was being brought into hot shutdown to provide additional warm water and district heating for the upcoming winter season. The procurement of an alternative external steam generator has started, but installation is not expected until early 2024. The IAEA team reported they had heard four explosive blasts near the site in mid October.[88]

2023 Sabotage threats

In June and July 2023 Ukraine and Russia frequently blamed each other of preparing a sabotage or false flag operation at the plant.[93][94][95] On 21 June IAEA confirmed "previous placement of mines outside the plant perimeter" and also "at particular places inside", but assessed these as not having a significant impact on the plant's operational safety.[96] On 5 July IAEA monitoring mission in the plant did not confirm presence of land mines or explosives on the territory of the plant but highlighted it does not have full access to all areas. IAEA specifically requested access to the rooftops of reactor blocks 3 and 4, turbine halls and specific parts of the cooling system, which were previously described as locations of Russian military presence.[97][91] On 4 August the IAEA reported their team had unimpeded access to the rooftops of units 3 and 4, with views of the turbine hall rooftops, and no military presence was found.[98][99]

On 6 July American Nuclear Society analysis indicated that even the worst case scenario, including shelling and deliberate sabotage to the reactors or spent fuel storage, radiation leaks that would have health impacts for population are very unlikely due to numerous redundant safety features of the plant and the fact it's in cold shutdown.[100][101]

2024

In 2024, Russian forces continued to control the facility while IAEA teams maintained a monitoring presence. Russia has repeatedly accused Ukraine of attacking the facility. These accusations include drone strikes and shelling, with Russia claiming that Ukraine is endangering nuclear safety.[102][103] Ukraine denies these claims, asserting that Russia is conducting a disinformation campaign and is itself responsible for attacks on the plant.[104]

On 7 April 2024, there were confirmed drone strikes on the Zaporizhzhia plant. The IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi reported on the incident, stating that the drones struck several buildings, including a "direct hit on the reactor dome of Unit 6". This was the first direct targeting of the Zaporizhzhia plant since November 2022. The responsibility for these attacks remains unclear.[105][106]

In a June 2024 update, the IAEA team reported continuing to hear fighting in the area and that a land mine at the site had recently detonated for undisclosed reasons. As of the June 13, 2024 update, all six units were in cold shutdown.[107]

On 3 July 2024, Zaporizhzhia plant's Russian management reported additional drone strikes, resulting in injuries to eight employees. The IAEA's report on the incident did not attribute the attack to any specific drone operator. Ukraine did not comment on the matter.[108]

On 11 August 2024, the IAEA team reported that the Russian operators informed it that "an alleged drone attack on one of the plant’s cooling towers took place".[109] The agency noted that "strong dark smoke" was observed, but confirmed there was no immediate threat to nuclear safety. Ukrainian and Russian authorities exchanged blame for the incident, each accusing the other of attacking the plant.[110] On 12 August IAEA observers inspected the base of the cooling tower and concluded the fire started at the cold water sprinklers level at 10 metres from the ground. The team said the Russian operators did not allow it to inspect this level for safety reasons. The observers secured the remains of burnt plastic but did not observe any remains of tyres or the drone.[111] The director of the facility, Yuri Chernichuk, said a Ukrainian drone that was attacking the Zaporizhzhia plant may have carried flammable liquid.[112] As of 5 September, IAEA observers have not been granted access to the damaged cooling tower in full.[113]

See also

References

  1. ^ "'Russian nuclear terror': Ukraine atomic plant attacked again". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  2. ^ "Російські військові обстрілюють ЗАЕС, щоб знищити її інфраструктуру та відімкнути від енергосистеми України". Енергоатом. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  3. ^ "Місія МАГАТЕ на Запорізьку АЕС має вирушати з Києва, але має бути згода України та Росії ‒ Ґутерріш". Радіо Свобода. 18 August 2022. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  4. ^ "U.N. nuclear watchdog calls for a 'security protection zone' around the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia power plant". NBC News. 7 September 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  5. ^ Diaz-Maurin, François (2022-09-02). "A nuclear safety expert's view on the crisis at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Retrieved 2022-09-08.
  6. ^ "The Radiation Risks of Seizing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant". Bellona.org. 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  7. ^ Hinshaw, Drew; Parkinson, Joe (5 July 2022). "Russian Army Turns Ukraine's Largest Nuclear Plant Into a Military Base". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  8. ^ "Ukrainian kamikaze drone hits Russian positions near Zaporizhia NPP". Ukrinform. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  9. ^ Vasilyeva, Nataliya (20 July 2022). "'Kamikaze drones' strike Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  10. ^ Lederer, Edith M. (3 August 2022). "UN nuclear chief: Ukraine nuclear plant is 'out of control'". AP News. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  11. ^ Allen, Claudia; Jackson, Patrick (3 August 2022). "Ukraine war: IAEA says Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant out of control". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  12. ^ "Update 88 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine". IAEA. 6 August 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  13. ^ a b c "Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine: 28 April - 5 September 2022" (PDF). IAEA. 6 September 2022. pp. 13–16, 46–48. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  14. ^ Koshiw, Isobel (8 August 2022). "Attack on Ukraine nuclear plant 'suicidal', says UN chief as he urges access to site". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  15. ^ Zinets, Natalia; Hunder, Max (8 August 2022). "Ukraine calls for demilitarised zone around nuclear plant hit by shelling". Reuters. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  16. ^ "Russia to connect Zaporizhzhia NPP to Russian-controlled power grid in Crimea". Ukrainska Pravda. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  17. ^ "In quotes: UN Security Council discusses Zaporizhzhia". World Nuclear News. 12 August 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  18. ^ "Situation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant 'Very Alarming', International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Tells Security Council" (Press release). United Nations. 11 August 2022. SC/14996. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  19. ^ "Ukraine, Russia blame each other for shelling of nuclear plant". Reuters. 12 August 2022. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  20. ^ "Росіяни 4 рази за день обстріляли ЗАЕС і околиці – Енергоатом" [The Russians shelled the ZNPP and its precinct 4 times in a day – Energoatom] (in Ukrainian). Ukrayinska Pravda. 11 August 2022.
  21. ^ "Live: Zelensky accuses Russian soldiers of staging attacks from Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant". France 24. 2022-08-14. Retrieved 2022-08-14.
  22. ^ Trevithick, Joseph (18 August 2022). "Russian Military Vehicles Inside Sensitive Building At Ukraine Nuke Plant". The Drive. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  23. ^ Murphy, Matt (19 August 2022). "Ukraine war: Russia to allow inspectors at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - Putin". BBC News. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  24. ^ Mallet, Victor; Olearchyk, Roman; Schwartz, Felicia (19 August 2022). "Putin and Macron agree IAEA mission to Ukraine nuclear plant". Financial Times. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  25. ^ "Growing concern about Zaporizhzya NPP sparks international diplomacy". Nuclear Engineering International. 22 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
  26. ^ "UK, US Set Ultimatum Against Russia Due To Provocations At Zaporizhzhia NPP". Charter 97. 20 August 2022.
  27. ^ "The West considers applying NATO's Article 5 in response to possible accident at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant". Ukrainska Pravda. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  28. ^ Fairley, Peter (26 August 2022). "Fitful Ukrainian nuclear plant stokes powerful fears". IEEE Spectrum. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  29. ^ "Russian-held nuclear plant resumes electricity supply to Ukraine - Energoatom". Reuters. 2022-08-26. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
  30. ^ "Factbox: Is the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine about to be blown?". Reuters. 21 October 2022. Archived from the original on 23 October 2022.
  31. ^ "Kakhovka hydro dam: A strategic facility for Crimea". France 24. 21 October 2022. Archived from the original on 22 October 2022.
  32. ^ "IAEA Expert Mission (02011233)". IAEA Imagebank. 29 August 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022 – via Flickr.
  33. ^ Balmforth, Tom (1 September 2022). "UN inspectors reach Ukraine nuclear plant after shelling causes delay". Reuters. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  34. ^ a b "IAEA team begins inspection of Zaporizhzhia NPP; Grossi leaves after a few hours". Nuclear Engineering International. 1 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  35. ^ a b Wright, George (1 September 2022). "Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: UN experts make first inspection". BBC News. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  36. ^ "Ukraine war: Explosion near Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant". Sky News. 1 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  37. ^ "IAEA chief Grossi leaves Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, 5 representatives remain- Ukraine's Energoatom". Reuters. 2022-09-01. Retrieved 2022-09-02.
  38. ^ "Russia lets UN inspectors stay permanently at nuclear plant". BBC News. 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  39. ^ Miner, Louise (2 September 2022). "Ukraine war: Zelenskyy hits out over nuclear watchdog's visit to Zaporizhzhia plant". euronews. AFP. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  40. ^ (2022-09-02) Press Conference with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. IAEA. 2 September 2022. Event occurs at 32m55s-33m58s,18m15s-19m40s,45m45s-46m12s,28m26s-29m55s,39m00s-42m30s. Retrieved 2 September 2022 – via YouTube.
  41. ^ Koshiw, Isobel; Borgerin, Julian; Lock, Samantha (2 September 2022). "Physical integrity of Zaporizhzhia plant 'violated', says UN nuclear chief". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  42. ^ "Russians lie and hinder activities of IAEA mission at Zaporizhzhia NPP – Energoatom". Ukrinform. 3 September 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  43. ^ Ljunggren, David (2 September 2022). "Ukraine says it hit targets in region where IAEA team is working". Reuters. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  44. ^ "Russian MLRS firing from Zaporizhzhia NPP site (VIDEO)". The Insider (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2022-09-07. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  45. ^ "Russia says it foiled Ukrainian attempt to seize nuclear plant". Reuters. 3 September 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  46. ^ Fisch, Yesica; Kozlowska, Joanna (3 September 2022). "Ukraine's nuclear plant partly goes offline amid fighting". ABC News. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  47. ^ a b c "Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: Link lost to main power line". BBC News. 3 September 2022. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  48. ^ "Over 15 boats with armed people on way to Energodar from Ukraine — official". TASS. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  49. ^ "Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine".
  50. ^ Brugen, Isabel van (2022-09-07). "Ukraine soldiers pretend to be dead to trick Russians in video". Newsweek. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  51. ^ "Ukraine: Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant knocked offline again". The Guardian. Associated Press. 3 September 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  52. ^ "Update 97 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine". IAEA. 3 September 2022. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  53. ^ "Update 98 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine". IAEA. 5 September 2022. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  54. ^ CIR (2022-09-07). "Danger Zone: How Russia is risking nuclear disaster at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant". Centre for Informati. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
  55. ^ "Factbox: Seven recommendations the IAEA makes in its Ukraine report". Reuters. 6 September 2022. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  56. ^ "IAEA board passes resolution calling on Russia to leave Zaporizhzhia". Reuters. September 15, 2022. Archived from the original on 2022-09-21. Retrieved 2022-09-21.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  57. ^ "The safety, security and safeguards implications of the situation in Ukraine. Resolution adopted on 15 September 2022 during the 1647th session" (PDF). IAEA Board of Governors.
  58. ^ "Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant halts operations in Ukraine". ABC News. 2022-09-11. Retrieved 2022-09-11.
  59. ^ "Putin and Macron trade blame over risk at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant". the Guardian. 2022-09-11. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
  60. ^ "Update 105 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine" (Press release). IAEA. 21 September 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  61. ^ "Ukraine war: Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant chief detained by Russians - Kyiv". BBC News. 1 October 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  62. ^ Murphy, Francois (4 October 2022). "Zaporizhzhia plant chief will not return to job after detention, IAEA says". Reuters. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  63. ^ "The AP Interview: Ukraine aims to restart occupied reactors". AP NEWS. 2022-10-04. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  64. ^ "Nuclear power plant company aims to restart reactors at Russian-occupied facility in Ukraine". ABC News. 2022-10-05. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  65. ^ Schreck, Adam; Arhirova, Hanna. "For safety's sake, Ukraine wants to restart its Russian-occupied nuclear plant". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  66. ^ Saric, Ivana (2022-10-04). "Ukraine considering restarting Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant". Axios. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  67. ^ Welle (www.dw.com), Deutsche. "Vladimir Putin decrees Russian takeover of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant | DW | 05.10.2022". DW.COM. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  68. ^ AFP (2022-10-05). "Putin Decrees Russia Takeover of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant". The Moscow Times. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  69. ^ "Putin Decrees Russia Takeover of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant". The Defense Post. 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  70. ^ a b "Ukraine, Russia and control of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant". World Nuclear News. 6 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  71. ^ "IAEA Director General Grossi and Ukrainian President Zelensky Meet in Kyiv, Discuss Situation at ZNPP" (Press release). IAEA. 6 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  72. ^ "IAEA's Grossi Meets Russia's Putin to Help Prevent Nuclear Accident in Ukraine, Calls for ZNPP Safety and Security Protection Zone" (Press release). IAEA. 11 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  73. ^ "UN: Ukraine nuclear power plant loses external power link". Associated Press. 2022-10-08. Archived from the original on 2022-10-08. Retrieved 2022-10-09.
  74. ^ a b "Update 115 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine" (Press release). IAEA. 9 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  75. ^ "Update 116 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine". IAEA. 12 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  76. ^ a b "The Times confirms Russian reports of attacks on Zaporizhia NPP". Nuclear Engineering International. 11 April 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  77. ^ Tucker, Maxim (7 April 2023). "Ukraine's secret attempt to retake the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  78. ^ Orlova, Alisa (9 October 2023). "Ukraine Commandos Tried to Liberate Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant 3 Times, Budanov Says". Kyiv Post. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  79. ^ Teslova, Elena (9 October 2023). "UN should accept upsetting facts after Ukraine's spy chief admitted attacks on nuclear plant: Russia". Anadolu Agency. Istanbul. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  80. ^ a b c d Faulconbridge, Guy (2022-11-21). "Explainer: Ukrainian nuclear plant shelled: Here's what we know". Reuters. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  81. ^ a b c "Shelling of Zaporizhzhia is playing with fire, says UN nuclear chief, as blasts reported". the Guardian. 2022-11-20. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  82. ^ "Renewed shelling in Zaporizhzhia threatens key Ukrainian nuclear plant again". PBS NewsHour. 2022-11-20. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  83. ^ a b "Grossi says Zaporizhzhia principles 'step in right direction'". World Nuclear News. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  84. ^ a b c "Briefing Security Council, International Atomic Energy Agency Director Outlines Five Principles to Prevent Nuclear Accident at Zaporizhzhia Power Plant in Ukraine". 9334th Meeting (PM). United Nations Security Council. 30 May 2023. SC/15300. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  85. ^ "IAEA chief unveils vital guidelines to prevent nuclear accident at Zaporizhia NPP". Nuclear Engineering International. 1 June 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  86. ^ "IAEA Director General to inspect Zaporizhia NPP in the aftermath of crucial dam destruction". Nuclear Engineering International. 8 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  87. ^ a b "IAEA 'strongly encouraging' options to allow cold shutdown of all Zaporizhzhia units". World Nuclear News. 13 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  88. ^ a b "Zaporizhia NPP moves second reactor to hot shutdown". Nuclear Engineering International. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  89. ^ Borger, Julian (2023-06-06). "Ukrainian dam collapse 'no immediate risk' to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
  90. ^ "Last reactor shut down at Ukraine's largest nuclear plant as fighting, flooding continues". www.cbsnews.com. 2023-06-10. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
  91. ^ a b "Update 171 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine". www.iaea.org. 2023-07-05. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
  92. ^ "Update 173 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine" (Press release). IAEA. 12 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  93. ^ "Russia has prepared everything for terrorist attack at Zaporizhzhya NPP, warns Zelenskyy". english.nv.ua. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  94. ^ "Russia rigs ZNPP reactor buildings with explosives – AFU". english.nv.ua. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  95. ^ "Russia, Ukraine accuse each other of plotting imminent attack on nuclear plant". Reuters. 2023-07-05. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  96. ^ "Update 167 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine". www.iaea.org. 2023-06-21. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  97. ^ Murphy, Francois (2023-07-05). "IAEA has seen no sign of explosives at Zaporizhzhia yet, more access needed". Reuters. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  98. ^ "IAEA experts see no explosives on roof of Zaporizhzhia units 3 and 4". World Nuclear News. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  99. ^ "Update 177 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine". IAEA. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  100. ^ "Statement from American Nuclear Society on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant". www.ans.org. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  101. ^ "Experts say even 'worst case scenario' at Zaporizhzhya NPP poses no radiation hazard". english.nv.ua. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  102. ^ "Russia and Ukraine once again accuse each other of targeting Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant". PBS News. 2024-04-08. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  103. ^ "Russia, Ukraine feud over 'dangerous' attack on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  104. ^ "Ukraine denies Russian claim it struck Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant". Voice of America. 2024-04-07. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  105. ^ "UN nuclear watchdog head condemns drone strike on Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant". The Guardian. 2024-04-07. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  106. ^ Davenport, Kelsey (May 2024). "Drones Hit Zaporizhzhia Reactor Building". Arms Control Association. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  107. ^ "Update 232 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine". IAEA. 13 June 2024.
  108. ^ "UN Watchdog Sounds Alarm Over Drone Attacks Near Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Plant". Radio Free Europe. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  109. ^ "Update 242 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine". iaea.org. Vienna: International Atomic Energy Agency. 2024-08-11. Archived from the original on 2024-08-12. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
  110. ^ "Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: Ukraine and Russia trade blame over fire". www.bbc.com. 12 August 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-12.
  111. ^ "Update 243 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine". www.iaea.org. 2024-08-12. Retrieved 2024-08-13.
  112. ^ "Директор ЗАЭС Черничук: атаковавший станцию дрон мог нести напалм". Российская газета (in Russian). 2024-08-12. Retrieved 2024-08-13.
  113. ^ "Cooling tower at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant requires demolition after fire, IAEA chief says". The Kyiv Independent. 2024-09-05. Retrieved 2024-09-05.

47°30′30″N 34°35′04″E / 47.5083°N 34.5844°E / 47.5083; 34.5844