Ukraine's Nuclear & Energy Crisis Deepens

"We are getting closer and closer to the point of no return" – Alexei Likhachev, Rosatom

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Safety at a Tipping Point

The situation around the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP) is approaching a critical juncture. Rosatom's Alexei Likhachev warns that the facility—which holds approximately 2,600 metric tons of nuclear fuel—is nearing a "point of no return."

Europe's largest nuclear facility, with six reactors, was seized by Russian forces in the early weeks of the February 2022 invasion. While the plant is not currently generating electricity, it continues to operate essential cooling systems.

Attacks and Accountability

The Russia-installed management at ZNPP reported that Ukrainian forces attacked the facility for a third consecutive day. A Telegram post stated that the latest drone attack caused no injuries or damage, and the plant continued operating normally.

According to management, permanent monitors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) were shown damage from an earlier incident on Sunday, which plant officials attributed to Ukrainian shelling of a transport workshop.

Both sides have regularly accused each other of military activities that could compromise nuclear safety.

Life Under Russian Occupation

Former Zaporizhzhia employees, now working at the Khmelnytsky nuclear plant in western Ukraine, described their experiences. Dariia Zhurba and her husband Ihor reported hiding during initial attacks and enduring intense scrutiny from Russian forces—including extensive phone checks and interrogations about relatives' military service—before they were able to leave.

Ukrainian workers still at ZNPP, communicating via encrypted social media, describe a lack of maintenance work on equipment and the presence of Russian soldiers and military equipment within the complex.

Energoatom (Ukraine's National Nuclear Energy Company) officials report that:

• Electrical substations vital for cooling have been damaged
• Ponds supplying cooling water have experienced dangerously low levels
• Four of ZNPP's energy blocks use American-made fuel systems that Russian technicians are reportedly not trained to operate

Ukraine's Broader Energy Infrastructure Under Siege

Relentless Attack Patterns

According to DTEK Chief Executive Maxim Timchenko, the frequency of Russian attacks is impeding recovery operations across the energy network. DTEK reports repeated targeting of its grid using drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

DTEK operates approximately 10 coal-fueled power stations. Some plants and substations have been attacked as frequently as every three to four days. One DTEK power plant was recently targeted by five ballistic missiles.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russia aims to leverage winter conditions as a strategic element.

Shifting Energy Dependence

Approximately 50% of Ukraine's electricity is generated by three nuclear power plants located in central and western regions. Pavlo Kovtonyuk, head of Energoatom, stated that Russia is specifically targeting substations connecting these nuclear plants to the grid.

The Khmelnytsky nuclear plant in western Ukraine has become critical to the energy grid, with nuclear plants now providing at least 60% of the nation's electricity. Most conventional power plants have been damaged, increasing reliance on nuclear facilities. However, the transmission network for distributing this power has sustained significant damage.

Civilian Impact

The majority of Ukraine is experiencing scheduled power outages, often limited to a few hours daily. In the southern city of Odesa, a coordinated Russian attack resulted in tens of thousands of residents being without electricity for three days. These outages also impact heating and water services.

Ukrainian citizens are utilizing power banks and generators as backup power sources. In the capital, Kyiv, the sound of generators has become a common background noise.

Repair and Human Cost

DTEK, which supplies electricity to 5.6 million Ukrainians, has allocated $166 million (£123 million) this year for repairs to its thermal power plants and coal facilities. Obtaining replacement parts for damaged equipment presents a significant challenge. The company, which previously sourced equipment domestically, now procures parts from across Europe.

The human toll continues to rise: Eight DTEK engineers have died while performing duties in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, where active conflict has led to severe power supply disruptions.