The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant experienced a significant communication blackout lasting around 12 hours, raising fresh concerns over nuclear safety in an active conflict zone, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the outage occurred on May 27, during a period of intensified military activity in the region. The plant reportedly lost both telephone and internet connectivity, marking the longest communications disruption recorded since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The incident coincided with reports of attacks near Enerhodar, the city where many plant employees reside.
Grossi described the situation as highly alarming from a safety standpoint. “This was undoubtedly a very worrying incident from a nuclear safety and security perspective,” he said, adding that the agency will investigate what caused the breakdown and work with relevant parties to prevent similar events in the future.
The IAEA stressed that stable and reliable communication is a fundamental requirement for maintaining nuclear safety during armed conflict. It also noted earlier warnings about increased drone activity around nuclear facilities in Ukraine, which has added to ongoing concerns about operational risks.
