Recent satellite images have unearthed Russia's plans to connect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to its grid, highlighting potential risks amid ongoing conflict.**
Satellite Imagery Reveals Russia's Intent to Reactivate Seized Nuclear Plant in Ukraine**
Satellite Imagery Reveals Russia's Intent to Reactivate Seized Nuclear Plant in Ukraine**
Greenpeace reports growing evidence of Russia's plans to restart the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility through new power line constructions.**
Recent satellite imagery indicates that Russia is actively working to construct power lines in occupied southeastern Ukraine, aiming to connect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant it seized earlier in the conflict. A report published by Greenpeace provides substantial evidence of Moscow's intentions to restart operations at this power facility, despite existing international concerns and calls for its status to be addressed in peace negotiations.
The nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control since early in the conflict, sits in proximity to active combat zones, raising alarms about the potential for a nuclear disaster. Experts have consistently warned against any efforts to restart the facility under current war conditions, given the unpredictable environment.
The Greenpeace analysis, which was made available to The New York Times, presents disturbing evidence of ongoing construction work — over 50 miles of new electricity lines and pylons spanning between Mariupol and Berdyansk along the Azov Sea. These images were authenticated by the newspaper, further legitimizing Greenpeace’s findings.
Shaun Burnie, a nuclear expert with Greenpeace Ukraine, emphasized that the establishment of new electricity transmission lines is fundamental to any plans Vladimir Putin might have for reactivating the Zaporizhzhia plant. He stated that this construction represents the first tangible evidence of such intentions, igniting fears about the consequences of operating a nuclear facility amidst conflict.
While Moscow's concrete plans remain unclear, questions loom over whether it aims to restart the facility during ongoing hostilities or in a post-war scenario. Regardless of the timeline, experts explain that Russia will require additional infrastructure to fully integrate the Zaporizhzhia plant into its power grid, a process likely to extend over a significant duration.
