Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia has not only brought devastation and loss to the nation but has also raised concerns over the neighboring nuclear power plant. The Ukrainian government is now planning for the potential sabotage of Europe’s largest nuclear facility in Zaporizhzhia by the occupying Russian forces. In an interview with TIME, Minister German Galushchenko highlighted the imminent danger that exists if Ukraine recaptures the facility and drives the Russians away from the region.
Situated in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, the nuclear plant stands less than 100 miles away from villages that Ukraine managed to reclaim from Russian control in recent weeks. Minister Galushchenko expressed doubts about the Russians leaving the plant operational, stating, “They could do a lot of damage, so much damage that it would be very difficult for us to operate the station.”
Since early June, all six nuclear reactors at the plant have been in a cold shutdown mode as a preventive measure. The decision to suspend electricity production was taken after a nearby dam ruptured, causing catastrophic flooding that jeopardized the water supply required for cooling the reactors. An investigation by the New York Times indicates that Russian forces, who controlled the dam at that time, were responsible for its destruction.
The destruction of the dam further diminished hopes that Russia would leave the nuclear power plant unharmed. Minister Galushchenko, who personally visited liberated parts of Ukraine, reported that the Russians extensively mined the energy infrastructure while retreating. In his words, “You cannot imagine the level of this mining. It’s millions, millions of mines, even in small villages.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised concerns in early July, alerting about suspicious objects resembling explosives found on the roofs of several plant buildings. Although satellite imagery showed white objects on the roof, independent experts deemed it impossible to identify them without an onsite inspection.
As accusations ensue, Russia blames Ukraine for endangering the nuclear facility through military operations aimed at ending the occupation. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been permitted limited inspections of the occupied plant, closely monitored by Russian military forces. They have repeatedly observed mines surrounding the facility, and Rafael Grossi, the general director of the IAEA, expressed his concerns as the presence of explosives contradicts the agency’s safety standards.
Even if these explosive mines do not cause a radiation release, Minister Galushchenko underscores the significant damage they can inflict on the plant, rendering it inoperable for years to come. Exploding the roof, for instance, would pose huge challenges in restarting plant operations once it is liberated. In anticipation of such scenarios, Ukraine is actively exploring alternative sources of energy. Minister Galushchenko and other officials pursued a deal with Bulgaria, an EU member, to purchase two Russian-made nuclear reactors for approximately $650 million. The financing for this deal could involve U.S. and European aid to Ukraine, as well as loans from foreign banks.
However, it is important to note that installing and bringing the reactors into operation at another nuclear power plant in Khmelnitsky would require at least two years of engineering work. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces the daunting task of repairing the expected damage caused by Russian sabotage at the occupied facility, a process that will likely take far longer.
As Ukraine valiantly pushes forward on the southern front against Russian forces, the nation remains cautious of the potential harm targeting its vital nuclear infrastructure. The steps taken to safeguard the plant and explore alternative energy sources reflect Ukraine’s dedication to ensuring its energy security amidst this challenging conflict.
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