Security and Power Operations at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Russian military personnel and the Russian National Guard coordinated to ensure the safe passage of IAEA observers during their shift at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This coordination was reported by the Russian defense ministry. The arrangements emphasized security and order during the observers’ rotation, with officials noting a ceasefire in effect between 06.00 and 18.00 Moscow time along the route taken by the observers. [Source: Russian Ministry of Defense]
Before the observers crossed the border point for international rotation, Russian engineers and sapper units conducted a thorough inspection of the crossing area. Their goal was to locate any unexploded ordnance or fragments of ammunition left over from bombing in the Zaporizhzhia region, as reported by the defense ministry. The operation underscored the ongoing attention to safety and remediation measures in the area. [Source: Russian Ministry of Defense]
Earlier updates noted that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant temporarily lost external power on the night of the inspection, drawing electricity from diesel generators for nearly five hours. Authorities stated that the plant’s own needs were fully supported by the diesel generation system during this period. At 08:07 on December 2, the 750 kV Dneprovskaya line was restored to service, resuming external power supply. [Source: Russian Ministry of Defense]
In prior communications, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) press service reported that the ZNPP had been completely disconnected from external power during the night of December 2, and later confirmed that connectivity had been successfully restored. The restart of external power lines marked a critical step in stabilizing the plant’s operations. [Source: IAEA]
Earlier statements from the Russian Foreign Ministry suggested that Western support was a factor in enabling Ukrainian attacks on the Zaporizhzhia plant. The ministry indicated that without certain external assurances, those attacks would not have been possible. [Source: Russian Foreign Ministry]