Ukraine sent a note to the IAEA over Russia’s intentions to connect ZNPP to its power grid
28 May 15:24
The Permanent Mission of Ukraine to International Organizations in Vienna has sent an official note to the IAEA Secretariat in which it expressed its strong protest against Russia’s intentions to connect the occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant to the Russian power system and to restore its operation without authorization.
This was announced by Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Yuriy Vitrenko, Ukrinform reports , "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to him, the note also contains a request to distribute it as an information message to all member states of the agency.
The document emphasizes that such actions of the Russian Federation are a gross violation of international law, an encroachment on Ukraine’s sovereignty and a violation of the exclusive jurisdiction of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU), which did not grant any permits for infrastructure or operational changes at ZNPP.
In particular, it concerns the construction of a new high-voltage power line to connect ZNPP with the Russian power system. According to Vitrenko, this is evidence of Russia’s intentions to withdraw the plant from Ukrainian control and put it into operation without the consent of the Ukrainian regulator, which poses a threat to nuclear safety.
The note emphasizes that such actions significantly increase the risk of accidents, as the plant may lose access to Ukrainian power lines, which are currently the only legitimate sources of external energy supply – 750 kV Dniprovska and 330 kV Ferosplavna-1.
In addition, the modification of nuclear infrastructure without the participation of the national regulator violates IAEA safety standards, and the militarization of ZNPP, lack of licensed personnel and technical transparency create systemic risks not only for Ukraine but for the entire region.
According to Greenpeace, Russia has already laid 90 kilometers of a new power line along the Azov Sea coast to connect ZNPP to the Russian power grid, and construction work is ongoing.
What is known about the occupation of ZNPP
The occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is one of the most dangerous events of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The date of the seizure: on March 4, 2022, Russian troops seized ZNPP in the city of Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia region.
ZNPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Before the war, it produced about 20% of Ukraine’s electricity.
Russian military personnel and equipment, as well as representatives of Rosatom, are still at the plant.
Safety risks:
Russia has deployed heavy equipment and ammunition on the territory of ZNPP, which creates risks of a nuclear disaster.
Decreased security: Due to the departure of some Ukrainian specialists and constant pressure from the occupiers, the level of personnel capable of ensuring safe operation has been reduced.
Attempts to connect to the Russian energy system:
In 2024-2025, Russia began construction of a power line to connect ZNPP to the Russian energy system, which was strongly condemned by Ukraine and the international community.
Ukraine submitted official notes to the IAEA, emphasizing that this is a gross violation of international law and a threat to nuclear safety.
International reaction:
The IAEA has maintained a permanent mission at ZNPP since mid-2022, but has limited powers.
The UN, EU, US, and G7 have repeatedly called for the demilitarization of the plant and its return to full Ukrainian control.
Greenpeace, other NGOs, and nuclear safety experts have pointed to systemic risks that could have a cross-border effect.
Current status (May 2025):
The plant is not operating normally.
The reactors have been transferred to a cold state, but dependence on external power supply for cooling remains.
the Russian Federation continues to attempt to integrate the plant into its own power grid, which raises high concerns about the safety and illegality of such actions.
