Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Restart Deemed Unsafe Amid Ongoing Conflict, Says Ukrainian Energy Chief

April 7, 2025 — Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine — The head of Ukraine’s state nuclear energy company, Energoatom, has warned that any attempt by Russia to restart the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant would be highly unsafe and operationally unfeasible under current conditions.

In an interview, Petro Kotin, CEO of Energoatom, outlined a series of critical technical and security challenges preventing the safe reactivation of the six-reactor facility—Europe’s largest nuclear power station. Among the chief concerns are insufficient cooling water, a lack of adequately trained personnel, and inadequate power supply to maintain basic operations.

Kotin stated that while Energoatom is prepared to eventually restart the plant, this could only happen under peaceful conditions, following a full withdrawal of Russian forces, comprehensive demining of the site, and a broader demilitarisation of the area. In a best-case scenario, Kotin estimated that restarting the plant would take anywhere from two months to two years.

By contrast, any Russian attempt to reactivate even a single reactor while hostilities continue would be "impossible," he warned. “The facility is currently not only unsafe but unfit for operation during wartime,” said Kotin, pointing to its current use as a military base, the possible presence of weapons and explosives, and critical damage to supporting infrastructure.

Russia has indicated intentions to restart the plant when “military and political conditions allow,” according to Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev. However, no specific timeline has been provided.

The 240-page assessment compiled by Energoatom notes that the facility would require the completion of 27 safety protocols approved by Ukraine’s nuclear regulator before any restart could be considered. These include re-evaluating the nuclear fuel in the reactor cores, which has exceeded its six-year operational design life.

The report also highlights the destruction of essential infrastructure. Three out of four high-voltage lines necessary for operation were damaged or destroyed in the conflict. Russia, which now controls the territory through which these lines passed, has reportedly been unable to restore them due to ongoing fighting. Currently, only two lines—one 750kV from Ukrainian-held territory and a secondary 330kV line—supply limited power for cold shutdown operations. These lines have themselves been disrupted multiple times by shelling, forcing reliance on emergency diesel generators.

Concerns about plant staffing were echoed last month by the U.S. Department of Energy, which described the site as being operated by an “inadequate and insufficiently trained cadre” of workers, many of whom were Russian-trained personnel unfamiliar with the unique operational standards of Ukrainian VVER reactors.

The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam by Russian forces in June 2023 has further exacerbated the problem by eliminating a key source of cooling water from the Dnipro River. Experts argue that the construction of a new pumping station is essential for any future restart.

Meanwhile, the security situation around the plant remains volatile. Russia has acknowledged placing mines around the facility’s perimeter, claiming it was necessary to deter sabotage. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors have confirmed the presence of armed troops and military vehicles on-site.

The Zaporizhzhia plant, captured by Russian forces in early 2022, remains a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a sharp escalation in Russian aerial assaults over the past week, including over 1,460 guided bombs, nearly 670 drone strikes, and more than 30 missile attacks.

While U.S.-brokered ceasefire negotiations have achieved some limited agreements—such as mutual commitments to halt attacks on energy infrastructure—violations continue, and Russia has not accepted a maritime ceasefire proposed by Ukraine.

A Russian official involved in the talks indicated that direct diplomatic engagement with the United States could resume as early as next week.

As ceasefire discussions continue, the fate of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains a critical issue—symbolic of the broader challenge of restoring safety and sovereignty in Ukraine’s occupied territories.