Official briefing outlines damage to Zaporozhye NPP infrastructure amid regional conflict

The public briefing from the defense ministry described a sequence of events tied to the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant and the surrounding infrastructure. According to the spokesperson, the Kakhovskaya high‑voltage line, which delivers electricity to both the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, sustained damage during an air strike. This line’s impairment disrupted the grid and triggered safety protocols at the plant. As a consequence, operators observed a power surge followed by smoke within the plant’s open switchgear. The automatic protection system responded by disconnecting the affected circuits, and firefighters arrived to extinguish the smoke. Technical crews subsequently reduced the output of Units 5 and 6 to 500 MW as a precautionary measure while assessments were conducted. The spokesperson labeled the assault as an act of nuclear terrorism intended to create a humanitarian crisis in the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. The incident was cited as evidence of ongoing hostilities affecting critical civilian infrastructure and the potential risk to nuclear safety in the region. Statements from local administrations and national ministries corroborated that the plant has been under control of military personnel since March, with the Ukrainian operator continuing to run the station under given conditions. The overall narrative emphasizes the vulnerability of nuclear facilities amid armed conflict and the urgent need for protective measures, international engagement, and careful monitoring of safety systems in such high‑risk environments. This account integrates the official claims with on‑site responses, highlighting the sequence of damage, the immediate safety actions taken, and the broader implications for regional security and public welfare. The exchange of information among confirming authorities reflects the persistent tension surrounding the plant and the contested status of operational oversight in the affected areas. The focus remains on preventing further escalation, ensuring continuity of essential services, and safeguarding both workers and nearby populations from potential hazards linked to the plant’s power supply and structural integrity.