On March 26, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine announced a serious incident at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). As a result of damage to the diesel fuel tank, the plant may lose emergency power, which could lead to uncontrolled overheating of the reactors.
ZNPP remains under the control of Russian troops, and Ukrainian experts do not have access to critical facilities, making it almost impossible to assess the situation. Sources say that the Russian occupation administration is not in control of the situation and is trying to hide the consequences of the incident.
What is known now:
🔴 A diesel fuel tank used for emergency generators in case of a power outage was damaged.
🔴 The IAEA has no access to the plant – Russia is blocking the inspection and concealing the real state of nuclear facilities.
🔴 Russian troops continue to militarize the plant, storing heavy equipment and ammunition there.
The occupiers have replaced experienced Ukrainian specialists with unskilled personnel, which significantly increases the risk of a man-made disaster.
The consequences could be catastrophic
Experts emphasize that damage to the diesel tank could be a critical factor in the event of a power outage at ZNPP. The situation is reminiscent of the events at the Japanese Fukushima Daiichi NPP, when a global nuclear accident occurred due to a backup power failure.
ZNPP reactors can be left without cooling at any time. If the plant loses power, the processes in the reactors can get out of control, leading to radioactive contamination, the consequences of which will affect not only Ukraine but the whole of Europe.
Why is it dangerous for the world?
In the event of an explosion or radiation leak, a radioactive cloud could cover several countries, including Poland, Germany, and the Baltic states.
🔻 Russia systematically violates all international nuclear conventions, using ZNPP as a “nuclear shield”.
Moscow blocks any attempts by international organizations to assess the real state of the plant.
According to Ukrainian sources, the occupiers have mined the area around the ZNPP and may organize provocations to accuse Ukraine of creating a threat.
The world’s reaction
The Ukrainian government immediately appealed to the UN, the EU, the US and the IAEA to force Russia to allow independent experts to enter the plant. Urgent consultations on possible responses to the incident are already underway in Europe and the United States.
🔴 Restoration of Ukrainian control over ZNPP remains the only way to prevent a global catastrophe.
What to do next?
⚠️ Follow the official reports of the Ukrainian authorities.
⚠️ In the event of a threat of radioactive contamination, follow the recommendations for protection.
⚠️ Demand that world leaders take immediate sanctions and diplomatic measures to stop Russia’s nuclear blackmail.
🔴 This is an emergency situation that requires an immediate international response. There is no more time for delay.
