Nuclear safety at risk as Russia targets Ukraine's power grid

In February 2025, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, highlighted significant nuclear safety concerns during his visit to Kyiv, Ukraine. He addressed the dangers posed by persistent Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure, which jeopardize the operational capacity of nuclear power plants critical for Ukraine's electricity supply. Over half of Ukraine's energy is generated by nuclear power, and these facilities, especially the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant – Europe's largest and currently under Russian occupation – are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on a stable power grid for cooling systems. During his visit, Grossi noted that several incidents have nearly led to nuclear accidents, indicating that close calls with disasters have occurred. Furthermore, the impacts of Russian military operations on the power grid represent not only a tactic to undermine Ukrainian morale but also a real threat to the safety protocols necessary for nuclear power generation. Damage to electrical substations, essential for supplying power to nuclear plants, could cause emergency diesel generators to become the last resort in preventing catastrophic outcomes, a situation Grossi described as alarmingly precarious. The Zaporizhzhia plant, strategically important and caught in the conflict, has been occupied since the initial invasion phase by Russia. Its six reactors are dormant, but the facility still requires power and qualified personnel to ensure safety features and cooling systems remain operational. Grossi stressed that interruptions to electrical power supply, which have resulted from recent conflicts, can lead to dangerous situations at nuclear facilities if they inhibit cooling processes. As the conflict escalates, the fears of a nuclear disaster loom larger, inspiring urgency for dialogue and intervention regarding the safety of these crucial installations. Grossi's intent to visit Moscow aims to mitigate the risks associated with these developments and promote awareness about nuclear safety in the context of warfare.