Ukraine’s state nuclear operator said equipment at the ZAPORIZHZHIA NUCLEAR PLANT has continued to deteriorate, with frequent full-site power outages and rising nuclear and radiation safety risks. The operator’s head, Kovtoniuk, said the plant has suffered 26 full-site blackouts since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including 14 in the first eight months of 2026. Each loss of external power requires activation of backup supplies; frequent power switching is worsening safety risks.

Ukraine’s state nuclear operator said equipment at the ZAPORIZHZHIA NUCLEAR PLANT has continued to deteriorate, with frequent full-site power outages and rising nuclear and radiation safety risks. The operator’s head, Kovtoniuk, said the plant has suffered 26 full-site blackouts since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including 14 in the first eight months of 2026. Each loss of external power requires activation of backup supplies; frequent power switching is worsening safety risks. Kovtoniuk added equipment aging is pronounced and diesel generator sets face accelerated wear, higher loads from repeated start-stop cycles and markedly reduced operational stability.