**Russia Holds Ukraine’s Nuclear Power Plant Hostage**
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, has been in a state of cold shutdown since March 2022. Russian forces have occupied the facility for nearly three years. The situation is complex and poses significant challenges to restarting the plant.
**Restarting the Plant: A Difficult Task**
According to Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it’s not feasible to restart the Zaporizhzhia NPP under current conditions. The main issues are a lack of reliable power supply and cooling water. Cooling water is essential for safe operation, and the plant relies on drawing water from the Dnipro River.
**Significant Challenges Ahead**
To bring even one reactor back online, it would be necessary to install a new pumping system and inspect all equipment that has remained inactive for nearly three years. This will require significant resources, time, and effort. Grossi emphasized that restarting the plant is not imminent and may take some time.
**Russian Intentions: A Cause for Concern**
Meanwhile, Greenpeace reports that Russian forces are building a power line along the Azov Sea coast to connect the Zaporizhzhia NPP directly to Russia’s power grid. This could signal preparations to restart the plant independently, bypassing Ukrainian oversight and control.
**Ukraine Reacts: A Strong Stance on Nuclear Safety**
In response, Ukraine has sent a formal diplomatic note to the IAEA, stressing that any attempt to restart the plant without authorization from Ukraine’s nuclear regulatory authority is illegal and poses an unacceptable threat to nuclear safety. This strong stance reflects concerns about Russia’s intentions and potential risks to the surrounding area.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com
