Fears are mounting over a potential crisis at a Ukrainian nuclear plant following the cutoff of power supply by Russia.
The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region has been without external power for three days, raising concerns about the six-reactor facility located in Ukraine’s frontlines. The power line supplying the plant was disconnected on Tuesday by Russia, with no indication of it being reconnected.
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed deep concern about the situation at the site. Despite meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, the power supply remains severed.
Experts are worried that Putin may be orchestrating a crisis to strengthen his control over the disputed region. A Ukrainian official suggested that Russia is using the nuclear plant as leverage in negotiations.
While a nuclear plant can function without external power for up to 72 hours, the situation beyond that timeframe is unprecedented, according to Ukrainian sources. Russian forces took control of the plant in March 2022, supplying electricity to around 4 million households.
According to Russian operators, there is sufficient diesel to operate the generators for 20 days without refueling. However, Grossi remains concerned about the risk of a potential nuclear incident.
Ukrainian officials fear that prolonged lack of cooling could lead to a meltdown in the six reactors over several weeks. There are indications that Russia may be close to installing a new power line through occupied territories to address the crisis they created.
The same Ukrainian official stated, “They will likely portray themselves as heroes.” Both Grossi and Putin have not publicly addressed the crisis in detail after their meeting.
Putin assured Grossi of support, stating, “We will do everything possible to assist your efforts.” This move by the Russian leader could be an attempt to shift the balance of the ongoing conflict in his favor, following recent shifts in US support towards Ukraine.
The US President has backed Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim lost territory, a stark contrast to the previous stance taken shortly after the Trump administration came into power in January.
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