Kathrine Frich
The plant’s protective enclosure was left without power as a result of voltage surges.
The plant’s protective enclosure was left without power as a result of voltage surges.
Chernobyl cut from grid after Russian bombardment
Ukrainian officials say the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant has lost power following Russian shelling that struck a power grid in the north.
The attack happened after energy facilities in the nearby city of Slavutych were bombarded, according to Ukraine’s Energy Ministry.
Key safety enclosure left powerless
The plant’s protective enclosure — known as the New Safe Confinement — was left without power as a result of voltage surges.
This structure encloses Reactor 4 and helps prevent the release of radioactive materials.
“As a result of voltage surges … the New Safe Confinement … was left without power supply,” the Ministry posted on Telegram.
Radioactive danger looms if systems fail
Without power, essential monitoring and ventilation systems could falter.
The Confinement structure is designed to contain radiation, but if auxiliary systems go down, risks of emissions rise significantly.
Ukraine blames Russia for sabotage
Ukraine says the outage was the direct result of Russian attacks.
The struck power grid, which feeds the protective enclosure, cut off electricity following the shelling.
Moscow has previously been accused of targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Russia claims backup was restored
In response, Russia stated that the plant had received backup power after an earlier attack which it blamed on Ukrainian forces.
This counterclaim underscores how both sides are fighting over the narrative as much as control.
There is no independent confirmation of either version at this time.
The plant remains inactive after occupation
Chernobyl has been under Russian control since early in the war.
Though its reactors were shut down long ago, it still requires power to run safety systems.
Its vulnerability becomes critical when power sources are interrupted.
Bombardment hitting infrastructure near Slavutych
The attack struck a power facility in Slavutych — the city that serves the Chernobyl plant.
That connection is vital, and damaging it sends shockwaves through the plant’s entire safety system.
Experts warn that these facilities are not designed to operate independently for extended periods.
Voltage surges triggered the shutdown
The Energy Ministry noted that voltage spikes caused the power loss.
These surges disabled circuitry feeding the enclosure.
It illustrates how electrical systems, not only physical missiles, are tools in this conflict.
Elevated stakes amid nuclear fears
The blackout marks one of the most serious threats to Chernobyl since the war began.
If the controlling systems fail, the consequences could reach beyond Ukraine’s borders, making it a broader European concern.
Regional governments have been alerted to monitor radiation levels.
International agencies urge urgent action
The IAEA and other agencies have warned that reestablishing stable external power is essential.
They stress that backup generators cannot sustain prolonged outages without risking containment failure.
Additional emergency inspections may be requested if the outage continues.
Zelensky calls situation “critical”
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the events as “critical.”
He warned that emergency systems aren’t meant for long-term use.
“The situation is deteriorating, and urgent support from partners is needed,” he said during his evening address.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
