Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Loses External Power Amid Russian Strikes

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine lost all connection to outside electricity overnight, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported Saturday. The plant, which is under Russian control, now relies on emergency diesel generators for essential safety systems. The power outage occurred during a major Russian aerial assault. Forces launched drones and missiles at the Kyiv region, wounding at least three people and triggering air-raid alarms across much of Ukraine. The IAEA, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, confirmed the incident. The agency stated that this is the eighth time the plant has been forced to switch to emergency generators since Russian forces seized it in March 2022. Nuclear plants require constant power to cool their reactors and spent fuel, even when not producing electricity. While the diesel generators are operating, the IAEA emphasizes that off-site power is vital for lasting safety. The cause of the overnight disconnection is under investigation.