Russian military forces are actively digging trenches around the cooling pond of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). This activity may be linked to plans by Rosatom to restart one or more nuclear reactors at the site. This information comes from a study by British military analysts McKenzie, commissioned by the international organization Greenpeace Germany.
Increasing Militarization of ZNPP Area
Since Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP in 2022, and up until the end of June 2024, analysts report that “more than 1,000 meters of trenches have been constructed around the cooling pond of the nuclear plant.” New detailed satellite imagery reveals that significant areas of the nuclear plant are becoming further militarized. The site now features not only trenches, such as those on the dam of the cooling pond, but also fortifications that could be used as fortified firing positions.
Risks of Restarting Nuclear Reactors
Greenpeace has expressed concern that “the significant militarization of the cooling pond area may be related to Russia’s future plans to restart nuclear reactors at this facility.” The problem lies in the fact that the occupiers lack the complete technical documentation required for operating ZNPP, as the plant is not of the “Soviet type” familiar to Russian nuclear engineers. Part of ZNPP operates on Western control systems and American nuclear fuel.
Experts doubt that Russia will be able to find enough qualified personnel to safely and successfully restart the reactors. Additionally, following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam last year, it remains uncertain whether there will be sufficient water flow to cool the reactor if it is brought back online. It is worth noting that all six reactors at ZNPP have been shut down since 2022.
Context of Russian Aggression
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear power station in Europe, has become a key focal point in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. By occupying this strategic site, Russia is using it not only for its nuclear ambitions but also as a leverage point against the international community, raising concerns about potential nuclear disasters.
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