**Title: Greenpeace Accuses Russia of Sabotaging Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant**
**Date: September 17, 2026**
Greenpeace has released a report alleging that Russia is deliberately sabotaging the electricity supply lines at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine, which is currently under Russian occupation. The environmental organization claims that these actions are part of a broader disinformation campaign aimed at shifting blame onto Ukraine for the ongoing safety threats at the facility.
According to the report, which was published on Thursday, Greenpeace Ukraine collaborated with London-based McKenzie Intelligence Services (MIS) to analyze satellite imagery of the power plant. The findings indicate that there is no evidence to support Russian claims that Ukrainian forces have attacked the plant's electricity systems. Shaun Burnie, a nuclear specialist at Greenpeace Ukraine, stated, "The satellite imagery and evidence is clear – Ukraine did not attack its own Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant electricity system."
The report emphasizes that the repeated loss of external power at the Zaporizhzhia plant is a direct result of Russian military actions targeting Ukraine's electricity grid, as well as sabotage operations conducted at the plant itself. Burnie highlighted that the ongoing situation poses significant safety risks, exacerbated by what he describes as a "massive disinformation campaign" orchestrated by Moscow.
MIS conducted a thorough analysis of satellite images taken between October 2025 and June 2026, focusing on the 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 power line, which is the only remaining external power line connected to the Zaporizhzhia plant. The analysis aimed to verify whether damage to the power line could be attributed to alleged Ukrainian attacks, including artillery fire on February 10 and a drone strike on June 4. The findings revealed that the damage observed was inconsistent with the patterns typically associated with such military actions.
Specifically, MIS noted that artillery fire would generally leave behind a series of impact craters and dispersed damage across the targeted area, neither of which were evident in the satellite imagery. Furthermore, the damage purportedly caused by the drone strike on June 4 was already visible prior to the alleged attack, raising questions about the validity of Russia's claims.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors nuclear safety, has underscored the importance of a stable electricity supply at the Zaporizhzhia plant for ensuring nuclear safety. The IAEA has previously warned that disruptions to the power supply could jeopardize essential safety systems, including those necessary for cooling nuclear fuel in both reactor cores and spent fuel pools.
Greenpeace echoed these concerns in its report, emphasizing that maintaining a stable electricity supply is crucial for the safe operation of the nuclear facility. The organization called for immediate attention to the situation, given the potential risks associated with the ongoing conflict and the implications for nuclear safety in the region.
As the situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful of developments, particularly regarding the safety of nuclear facilities in conflict zones. The allegations made by Greenpeace add another layer of complexity to the already tense geopolitical landscape in Ukraine, as both sides engage in a war of narratives amidst the ongoing conflict.
The report has drawn attention to the critical need for transparency and accountability in the management of nuclear facilities, particularly in areas affected by military operations. As the conflict persists, the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains a pressing concern for both Ukrainian authorities and the international community.