Russia took over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant early in its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the facility—Europe’s largest of its kind—has remained offline. Despite its size and strategic value, no visible steps have been taken to restart it. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to monitor the site and rotates safety teams in and out. Recently, however, new developments near the plant have raised alarms in Kyiv and among international watchdogs.
Greenpeace has released satellite images showing fresh power lines under construction near the nuclear facility. These lines, extending through the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, have sparked fears that Russia could be preparing the plant for renewed use. Shaun Burnie of Greenpeace Ukraine called the activity “a dangerous step,” suggesting it could lead to reactivation of the facility without adequate safety checks or international oversight.
Despite these concerns, the IAEA has publicly stated it sees no immediate evidence that the plant is about to restart. One agency official told reporters that there is currently no sign of active preparation to bring the reactors back online. The IAEA has also clarified that it is keeping a close eye on the situation, both through on-site inspections and international communication.
Ukraine has condemned the construction of the new transmission lines. Officials in Kyiv argue that any move to restart the plant would be illegal unless authorized by Ukraine’s own nuclear regulator. They accuse Moscow of violating international law and undermining Ukrainian sovereignty. In official statements, Ukraine warned that an unauthorized restart would not only break legal norms but also pose serious safety risks to the region and beyond.
The Zaporizhzhia plant consists of six reactors, all currently shut down. Even while offline, the facility needs constant external electricity to cool the fuel and maintain safety systems. During the war, the site has suffered repeated power outages, sometimes relying on emergency diesel generators to keep critical systems running. One major blow came in 2023, when the Kakhova Dam was destroyed. The dam had supplied the plant with cooling water, and its loss forced technicians to dig emergency wells. Experts say these are not a sustainable solution if the plant were to resume operations.
According to the IAEA, returning the plant to full functionality would require not only repairs but also extensive political and technical discussions. “There’s no fast or easy way to bring it back,” one IAEA official noted, especially due to the lack of a stable cooling system. The agency’s Director General, Rafael Grossi, has announced plans to hold meetings in Ukraine and possibly with Russian representatives in the near future.
While international nuclear safety groups continue to monitor the situation, political leaders are also weighing in. In March, former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that the United States take over management of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. His suggestion was intended to shield them from potential Russian interference during ceasefire talks. While this idea was not acted upon, it highlights the level of global concern surrounding nuclear risks in the region.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to urge the international community to increase pressure on Russia. Kyiv argues that the construction of new infrastructure around the Zaporizhzhia plant could signal long-term plans for illegal integration into Russian energy networks. Ukrainian leaders say this would set a dangerous precedent for other occupied nuclear sites.
For now, the Zaporizhzhia plant remains quiet. But experts and observers are watching closely. With no official confirmation from Moscow and no clear signs of a restart, the future of Europe’s largest nuclear facility remains uncertain. The IAEA has committed to maintaining its presence on the ground, while global leaders prepare for difficult conversations about energy security, international law, and the risks of war near sensitive infrastructure.