New Evidence Suggests Russia's Intent to Reactivate Captured Nuclear Plant in Ukraine

Greenpeace reports that Russia is establishing power lines in occupied southeastern Ukraine, suggesting intentions to restart the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, raising international safety concerns.

Russia is allegedly making strategic moves to reactivate the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, captured early in the ongoing conflict, according to a recent Greenpeace report. The initiative, highlighted by satellite imagery, shows the establishment of over 50 miles of new power lines and pylons aimed at connecting the facility to the Russian power grid. The efforts, which have raised alarms among international experts, signal Moscow's intent to exploit the plant despite widespread condemnation and ongoing threats to nuclear safety in a volatile war environment.

Greenpeace's findings detail the construction of these electricity lines stretching from the occupied cities of Mariupol to Berdyansk, a route that runs along the Azov Sea coast. This progress was observed since early February, with the satellite images verified by The New York Times. Shaun Burnie, a nuclear specialist with Greenpeace Ukraine, indicated that the linking of these newly constructed lines is essential for Moscow's plans to take control of the nuclear facility, which is pivotal for future energy generation in the region.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding Kremlin's long-term strategy—whether it wishes to operate the plant during the ongoing conflict or in a postwar scenario—experts caution that the safety risks are manifold. Any move to restart the nuclear facility while hostilities are still active could potentially culminate in a catastrophic incident, given the plant's proximity to conflict zones. The situation underscores the necessity of addressing nuclear security in the framework of peace negotiations as the war continues.