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A person wearing an IAEA vest looking at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
Image: IAEA Handout/REUTERSImage: IAEA Handout/REUTERS

Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is the largest in Europe, and supplies one fifth of Ukraine's energy. Russian troops took control of it shortly after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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All Content on this topic

Spent nuclear fuel storage grounds at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia: How safe is the nuclear plant?

The International Atomic Energy Agency warned Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia power plant was 'dangerously close to an accident.'
ScienceApril 16, 2024
A storage area for spent nuclear fuel at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine

Ukraine: Drone attack damages Zaporizhzhia power plant

The IAEA says a building housing a reactor sustained damage after three direct hits but safety was not compromised.
ConflictsApril 7, 2024
An orange flame rises out of a cooling tower at the Neckarwestheim Nuclear Power Plant in Germany

Nuclear energy offers fossil fuel alternative — IAEA chief

Nuclear energy offers an alternative to fossil fuels with already-existing technology, IAEA chief Grossi tells DW.
PoliticsMarch 21, 2024
A bombed out building in Mariupol

One year on: Life in Russian-annexed eastern Ukraine

One year ago, Russia announced the annexation Ukraine’s Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhya regions.
ConflictsSeptember 30, 2023
Soldiers surround an air cannon of a Ukrainian artillery division firing as part of the counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhya

Can Ukraine exploit the Zaporizhzhia breakthrough?

A senior defense official tells DW that Kyiv's goals remain the same despite the slow progress of the counteroffensive.
ConflictsSeptember 6, 202327:18 min
Ukraine ukrainische Soldaten in Robotyne

Can Ukraine exploit the Zaporizhzhia breakthrough?

Senior Ukrainian defense official: goals remain the same despite the slow progress of counteroffensive.
PoliticsSeptember 6, 202326:06 min
Two fighters sitting in a tank driving along a dusty country road

Ukraine's counteroffensive breakthrough: What does it mean?

For weeks, Ukraine's counteroffensive seemed to be faltering. Now, troops have broken through Russian defenses.
ConflictsSeptember 5, 2023
Three Ukrainian servicemen seen at their positions in a forest near Robotyne

Ukraine announces full recapture of Robotyne

After weeks of fighting, Ukrainian forces have broken through Russian defensive lines in the Zaporizhzhia region.
ConflictsAugust 28, 202301:50 min
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station

IAEA finds no explosives on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant roofs

The UN nuclear watchdog has finally been granted access to the Russian-held plant in Ukraine after a monthlong wait.
ConflictsAugust 4, 2023
A security person stands in front of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Ukraine: What's the worst-case scenario for Zaporizhzhia?

Kyiv has warned that Russia might be planning detonations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. What could happen?
ConflictsJuly 5, 2023
A man is seen riding a scooter down a street in the Ukrainian city of Nikopol as the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant looms large across the river.

Nikopol faces double threat from Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

Residents of the Ukrainian city of Nikopol have to live with daily Russian shelling and the risk of nuclear catastrophe.
ConflictsJune 28, 202303:08 min
An illustration shows the reactors of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Why is concern over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant mounting?

The destruction of the nearby Kakhovka Dam is adding to concerns for the safety of the nuclear power plant.
ConflictsJune 28, 202302:04 min
An aerial view of damaged houses after flooding in Mykolaiv, Ukraine on June 15, 2023

Ukraine updates: IAEA in Russia to ease Zaporizhzhia fears

The UN atomic agency's head, Rafael Grossi, said a meeting with Rosatom was "timely." DW has the latest.
ConflictsJune 23, 2023
A resident with her pets being evacuated on a boat from a flooded neighbourhood in Kherson, Ukraine

Ukraine: Zelenskyy calls for Russia to be held accountable

Zelenskyy said the breached Kakhovka dam had affected drinking water for "hundreds of thousands." DW has more.
ConflictsJune 9, 2023
Flooded residential area in Kherson, June 8, 2023

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia power plant is not at risk for now

Experts say Ukraine's biggest nuclear power plant is stable and under no risk in the short term.
ScienceJune 9, 2023
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olaf Scholz standing in front of a battle tank at an official visit

Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy praises Germany's 'determination'

Ukraine's president thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for providing air defense systems. DW has the latest.
PoliticsMay 31, 2023
A man and a woman stand in the remains of their bombed-out apartment

Ukraine's Nikopol: 'We're being shot at day and night'

Despite repeated Russian bombardment, life goes on in the city of Nikopol, near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
ConflictsMay 18, 2023
A view of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant in the city of Enerhodar

Ukraine: Tensions rise near Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Amid reports of looting Russian occupiers have ordered the evacuation of Enerhodar, near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
PoliticsMay 14, 2023
A volunteer inspects remains of a residential house damaged by a Russian missile strike

Russian missiles: Man and child killed in Zaporizhzhia

A Russian missile strike has killed a 50-year-old man and his daughter in Zaporizhzhia. DW has the latest.
ConflictsApril 9, 2023
International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visits the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant ZNPP, as Russia s military operation in Ukraine continues, outside the city of Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia region territory, that has accessed Russia.

Ukraine: IAEA chief visits Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Under Russian control, the safety of Europe's largest nuclear power facility has concerned many since the war started.
PoliticsMarch 29, 2023
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi

Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy, IAEA chief visit Zaporizhzhia

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi met with President Zelenskyy close to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. DW has the latest.
ConflictsMarch 27, 2023
Electrician working on a power line in the Kharkiv region, October 2022

How Ukraine has maintained its energy supply despite the war

Several factors have prevented the collapse of Ukraine's electricity supply despite Russian attacks.
ConflictsMarch 22, 2023
A view of emergency workers at the site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 9, 2023

Ukraine updates: Kyiv decries deaths after Russian blitz

Kyiv said it shot down many Russian drones and missiles during the biggest wave of attacks in a month. DW has more.
ConflictsMarch 10, 2023
Ukrainian soldiers on their positions in the frontline near Soledar, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Jan. 11, 2023

Ukraine updates: Russia, Ukraine deadlocked on 3 frontlines

British military officials say the Ukraine war is in stalemate in the northeast, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhya. DW has more.
ConflictsJanuary 21, 2023
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Two cooling towers pictured on the premises of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia Region, southeastern Ukraine.

Ukraine: Russia denies plans to give up Zaporizhzhia plant

The Kremlin says the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant will remain under Russian control despite reports to the contrary.
ConflictsNovember 29, 2022
A destroyed Russian tank in Ivanivka, Kherson region

Germany's Scholz says Putin can no longer win in Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said it was clear that Russia was fighting a losing battle in Ukraine.
PoliticsNovember 23, 2022
Ukraine-Krieg I Zaporizhzhia Atomkraftwerk

Ukraine updates: UN nuclear watchdog to inspect Zaporizhzhia

The IAEA team is heading to the Ukrainian power plant after it was rocked by shelling. DW rounds up the latest.
ConflictsNovember 21, 2022
A man armed with a firearm stands in front of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine

Ukraine updates: Nuclear plant rocked by 'explosions'

The UN nuclear watchdog said blasts on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were caused by shelling. DW has the latest.
ConflictsNovember 20, 2022
Zaporizhzhia, buildings and reactors

Zaporizhzhia plant no longer connected to Ukraine grid

The national nuclear power authorities assume the Kremlin intends to connect the plant to Russia's power network.
PoliticsNovember 7, 2022
Unilluminated street and residential blocks during a blackout after a Russian missile attack on Ukrainian power infrastructure in Kyiv

Ukraine updates: Klitschko warns Kyiv may face blackouts

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warns of power outages in the Ukrainian capital. DW rounds up the latest.
ConflictsNovember 6, 2022
People fill containers with water from public water pumps in Kyiv, Ukraine

Ukraine updates: Russian strikes cause power, water cuts

Kyiv and other cities faced blackouts and water cuts following a wave of Russian missile strikes. DW has the latest.
ConflictsOctober 31, 2022
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Ukraine

Updates: Russia mulls secure zone around Zaporizhzhia plant

Russia says the proposal for a secure zone around Zaporizhzhia plant is 'reasonable.' Follow DW for the latest.
ConflictsOctober 25, 2022
Firefighters conduct work in a damaged building after Russian missile attack in Zaporizhzhia

Ukraine updates: G7 slams Russia's 'indiscriminate attacks'

G7 leaders condemn Russia's missile attacks, vowing to hold Vladimir Putin to account. DW has the latest.
ConflictsOctober 11, 2022
A view shows a residential building heavily damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine October 9, 2022.

Zelenskyy condemns 'absolute evil' attack on Zaporizhzhia

Meanwhile, Russian divers will examine the extent of damage of the Crimean bridge blast. Follow DW for the latest.
ConflictsOctober 9, 2022
Joe Biden at the White House

Ukraine updates: Biden fears 'Armageddon' after Putin threat

Putin has threatened to protect Russian soil using all means necessary — including nuclear weapons. DW has the latest.
ConflictsOctober 7, 2022
Rescue officials work at the scene of a building damaged by shelling

Ukraine updates: Zaporizhzhia strikes leave 2 dead

The Ukrainian-appointed governor blames Moscow for the attacks near Europe's largest nuclear plant. DW has more.
ConflictsOctober 6, 2022
A view of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant published on September 1, 2022.

Putin decrees takeover of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

Russia has declared the plant "federal property," a move the Ukrainian operators called "worthless."
ConflictsOctober 5, 2022
Ukrainian flag waves in a residential area heavily damaged in the village of Dolyna in Donetsk Oblast

Russia 'regrouping' after Ukraine advances on two fronts

Russian forces are said to be "regrouping" as Kyiv claims gains in three of four regions Moscow claims to have annexed.
PoliticsOctober 5, 2022
A large poster in separatist-controlled Luhansk reads: "Our choice — Russia"

What awaits the people in Russian-annexed Ukraine?

Russia has annexed large swathes of southern and eastern Ukraine. What comes now?
PoliticsOctober 2, 2022
Reactor building at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

Russia accused of 'kidnapping' nuclear plant head

Russian forces kidnapped the head of Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Ukraine's nuclear power company has said.
ConflictsOctober 1, 2022
Polling station in Donetsk

Kremlin recognizes independence of two Ukrainian regions

Vladimir Putin has signed decrees to recognize Kherson and Zaporizhzhia as independent states on Friday. Follow DW.
ConflictsSeptember 30, 2022
Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd from right) in Samarkand on September 16, 2022

Did China influence Putin's change of tack?

A former Putin adviser tells DW he sees the hand of Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Russian leader's recent moves.
PoliticsSeptember 24, 2022
Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko speaks during an interview in Kyiv

Russian annexation vote 'not a referendum'

Petro Poroshenko told DW that Moscow could use the so-called referendums to justify further attacks
ConflictsSeptember 23, 2022
A serviceman with a Russian flag on his uniform stands guard near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant shut down

International concerns have been mounting about the safety of the Russian-held nuclear plant.
ConflictsSeptember 11, 2022
Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, Ukraine

Russian forces withdraw from key areas in Kharkiv region

Ukrainian forces said they had entered Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, as Russian troops withdraw. DW has the latest.
ConflictsSeptember 10, 2022
The roof of one of Zaporizhzhia plant's reactors

IAEA: Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant 'unstable'

Shelling forced the shutdown of Zaporizhzhia's offsite power lines, which are critical to prevent a nuclear meltdown.
ConflictsSeptember 9, 2022
John Kirby

Ukraine updates: US won't call Russia sponsor of terrorism

The US has explained why it has no intention to call Russia a state sponsor of terrorism. DW rounds up the latest.
ConflictsSeptember 7, 2022
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expert mission arrives at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Zaporizhzhia: UN urges safety zone around nuclear plant

The IAEA and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have called for a demilitarized zone around the Russian-held plant.
PoliticsSeptember 7, 2022
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stands near a damaged section of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

IAEA chief slams 'unacceptable' shelling near nuclear plant

The physical integrity of the nuclear power plant is "poor," the IAEA chief said. Follow DW for the latest.
ConflictsSeptember 2, 2022
The IAEA motorcade arriving at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

IAEA team reaches Zaporizhzhia plant

The UN agency's chief said experts will maintain a continued presence at the nuclear facility. Follow DW for the latest.
ConflictsSeptember 1, 2022