Two months later, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed fresh findings of mines within the territory controlled by the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The agency reported these discoveries in a formal release published on its official website, underscoring the ongoing security concerns around the site and the need for careful monitoring of access controls in the area.
IAEA observers had previously identified mines in November 2023, located in the buffer zone between the plant’s inner and outer perimeter fences. The organization stressed that these mines were located in a closed area that is not accessible to the station’s operational personnel, highlighting the potential risk to both staff and the surrounding population if security procedures fail. Such findings are routinely evaluated in the context of international safety standards and risk assessment protocols, with ongoing recommendations issued to ensure containment and timely response in case of escalation. [IAEA statement, 2025]
Beyond the immediate security concerns, the IAEA also voiced alarm over the plant’s maintenance schedule for 2024. The audit indicated gaps in the plant’s comprehensive maintenance plan, coupled with a pattern of regular shutdowns from the power supply. This pattern increases dependence on several emergency diesel generators to maintain essential safety functions, a situation that has raised concerns about continuity of cooling and stability of the facility under adverse conditions. The assessment called for improved adherence to maintenance timelines and robust contingency planning to reduce the risk of unplanned outages. [IAEA safety review, 2025]
The IAEA reiterated that external power is a critical requirement for the NPP’s cooling systems to operate effectively, which in turn supports the core safeguards for nuclear safety and secure plant operation. Without reliable external electricity, the ability to maintain safe temperatures, monitor reactor conditions, and manage routine safety systems could be compromised, increasing the importance of resilient infrastructure and backup power options. The agency’s guidance emphasizes strengthening grid connections, fuel management, and site-level emergency response capabilities to ensure the plant can withstand potential disruptions. [IAEA guidance, 2025]
On the night of January 18, authorities signaled a move to a controlled shutdown state for the reactor at ZNPP, adopting a “Cold shutdown” mode as a precautionary measure. This decision, aligned with international safety practices for minimizing reactor activity while preserving safe cooling, reflects a prudent approach to risk management amid fluctuating security conditions in the region. The transition aims to reduce the potential for radiological release and to preserve the integrity of safety systems during altered operational states. [IAEA operational update, 2025]
Historically, assessments from Ukraine and international observers have outlined potential consequences in the event of a severe incident at ZNPP, including implications for regional energy security, environmental protection, and public safety. The current updates from the IAEA reinforce the imperative of sustained oversight, transparent reporting, and proactive safety measures to minimize risk and maintain public trust in the facility’s safety framework. These developments are part of an ongoing international dialogue on nuclear safety and the importance of robust monitoring mechanisms in conflict-affected zones. [IAEA and regional safety bodies, 2025]