NextFin news, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha issued a warning on Monday, October 13, 2025, about a potential nuclear danger at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant after Russian forces disconnected the plant from Ukraine's energy grid nearly three weeks ago. The plant, located in Enerhodar, southeastern Ukraine, has been under Russian control amid ongoing conflict.
Sybiha stated on the social media platform X that Russia's actions violate international nuclear safety protocols and Ukrainian licensing regulations, posing a direct threat to nuclear security. He explained that Russia deliberately disconnected the plant from Ukraine's energy system to forcibly test its reconnection to the Russian grid, an unprecedented move in nuclear energy history.
The Ukrainian official further highlighted that Russian troops and military equipment have been deployed at the plant, the perimeter has been mined, and unacceptable technical modifications are being made. Meanwhile, Moscow denies responsibility for the plant's operational issues and attempts to distance itself from the situation in communications with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the international community.
Minister Sybiha called on Russia to cease bombardments and allow repairs to the high-voltage power lines, emphasizing that such repairs could be conducted at any time if there is political will. He urged the international community to recognize Russia's and Rosatom's actions as illegal, unacceptable, and extremely dangerous, and requested the IAEA to pressure Russia to halt all technical alterations and return control of the plant to Ukraine.
Earlier warnings from Petro Andriushchenko, head of the Center for Occupation Studies, indicated that Russian forces are preparing to connect the Zaporizhzhia plant to their own energy system. Additionally, reports from Focus.ua revealed that Russian authorities have illegally detained over 200 employees and residents of Enerhodar.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is Europe’s largest nuclear facility, and its disconnection from the Ukrainian energy grid amid military occupation raises significant concerns about nuclear safety and the risk of an incident. Ukrainian authorities continue to call for international intervention to prevent a potential nuclear disaster.
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