Russia Moscow complains about Kiev's attacks on Zaporizhia nuclear power plant
The situation around the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia, which is occupied and controlled by Moscow, is becoming increasingly threatening from a Russian perspective.
18.05.2026, 17:10
SDA
"We are getting closer and closer to a point of no return," said Alexei Likhachev, head of the Moscow-based nuclear company Rosatom. The company took control of the nuclear power plant occupied by Russian troops immediately after the invasion began over four years ago. In recent times, there has been an increase in alleged Ukrainian artillery and drone attacks on the power plant site.
Likhachev emphasized that "this game with fire" could be particularly dangerous for Eastern Europe. Europe should therefore make an effort and join forces to de-escalate the situation around the nuclear power plant. Likhachev pointed out that there were around 2,600 tons of nuclear fuel on the site of the power plant. "And of course, in the event of a targeted hit, especially in nuclear fuel storage facilities, there are risks of regional significance," he said.
Largest nuclear power plant in Europe
In view of repeated Ukrainian attacks on the area surrounding the nuclear power plant, Likhachev explained that the social infrastructure is also part of the nuclear power plant's security system. Attacks on bus stops, means of transport or kindergartens, for example, would therefore be "an escalation of the situation to the point of catastrophe". Just the day before, according to Russian reports, several buses in a vehicle hall were destroyed or damaged in a Ukrainian artillery attack on the nuclear power plant.
The largest nuclear power plant in Europe, with six reactors and a rated output of 6,000 megawatts, has been under Russian control since March 2022. It is currently not producing any electricity. Several Ukrainian attempts to recapture it have failed. A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is constantly on site to monitor the situation and prevent a nuclear accident through its presence.
