Russian Forces Finally Capture Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (Comprehensive)

Partial Damage to Reactor Unit 1 Compartment
No Safety Issues... No Radioactive Material Leakage

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] Russian forces have taken control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant complex in southeastern Ukraine, the largest in Europe.

According to major foreign media outlets including AP, the Ukrainian military authorities in Zaporizhzhia Oblast announced this on the 4th (local time). It is currently reported that the nuclear plant operating staff are verifying the safety of operations. The status of casualties remains uncertain.

Ukrainian authorities stated that the containment chamber of Reactor 1 at the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is not operational, was partially damaged due to the Russian military attack on the same day. However, they added that there is no impact on safety.

Earlier, Russian forces shelled the nuclear power plant complex in Enerhodar city, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, in the early morning. As a result, a fire broke out in a five-story training and education building outside the complex's perimeter. The fire was difficult to extinguish due to continued Russian attacks but was eventually put out.

The Ukrainian government notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the U.S. government that no radioactive materials have leaked from the nuclear power plant complex. The IAEA stated, "Ukrainian authorities have informed us that the fire did not affect the plant’s essential equipment," and "there has been no change in radiation levels in the surrounding area."

Meanwhile, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant houses six of the 15 reactors currently operating in Ukraine. It accounts for about one-quarter of Ukraine’s total electricity production and is considered the largest single complex in Europe.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.