Russia

Russian diplomat warns about catastrophic consequences of Ukraine’s attacks on ZNPP

TASS English · 2026-08-21

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: A Russian diplomat warned of potential catastrophic consequences due to Ukraine's attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which has been cut off from external power for over 24 hours. • Why it matters: The ongoing attacks pose significant risks to nuclear safety, not only for the region but also for Europe, as highlighted by Russian officials who called for an end to the assaults. • What to watch next: Monitor developments regarding the security of the ZNPP and any international responses to the escalating tensions surrounding the facility.

Russian diplomat warns about catastrophic consequences of Ukraine’s attacks on ZNPP Both the ZNPP’s territory and its satellite city of Energodar regularly come under Ukraine’s attacksMELITOPOL, August 21. /TASS/. A Russian diploma has warned about potential catastrophic consequences of Ukraine’s attacks on the infrastructure of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The ZNPP has been cut off external power for more than 24 hours after the automatic shutdown of its only operating 330 kV Ferrosplavnaya-1 power line. According to the facility’s director, Yury Cehrnuchuk, the plant’s personnel has to optimize the operation of generators to lower the use of diesel fuel as its delivery is next to impossible amid Ukraine’s attacks on cargoes bound for Eenergodar. "If those who are backing Zelensky, who are supplying him, who are pushing him in the back do not heed this (calls to cease attacks on the ZNPP - TASS), consequences may be catastrophic for all. Not only for us, but also for both Europe and for those who are willingly allocate billions of dollars to fund Kiev’s absolutely reckless actions," Russian foreign ministry’s ambassador at large, Rodion Miroshnik, told TASS after a working visit to the Zaporozhye Region. Both the ZNPP’s territory and its satellite city of Energodar regularly come under Ukraine’s attacks. On July 15, a Ukrainian drone attacked the facility’s service car, killing its chief engineer Alexander Yakovlev and his driver. On August 18, a Ukrainian drone hit an area near a bus stop in Energodar, killing one civilian and wounding 20 more, with most of them being ZNPP employees. 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Source: TASS English
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