Kyiv: Ukraine has reported a concerning incident at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, stating that two power lines connecting the facility to the national electricity grid were severed overnight, putting the plant at the risk of a potential accident. The Zaporizhzhia plant has been a focal point in the conflict, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces accusing each other of compromising its safety.

According to Ukraine's nuclear energy operator, the plant faced a complete blackout, forcing it to rely on 20 diesel generators to meet its power needs. The statement noted that the plant was on the brink of a "nuclear and radiation accident" before Ukrainian specialists managed to restore off-site power promptly.

The Russian-installed operator of the plant acknowledged the use of diesel generators but asserted that it operated within safe limits, with no reported safety violations. This incident marks the eighth time the Zaporizhzhia plant has been cut off from external power since the conflict began last year, as highlighted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi expressed concerns about the precarious nuclear safety situation at the plant, emphasizing the potential impact of events beyond the site. Grossi urged all parties to avoid actions that could further jeopardize the plant's safety. The IAEA has been monitoring safety at the Zaporizhzhia plant since last year, emphasizing the need for constant maintenance to prevent overheating.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant stopped supplying electricity to Ukraine's grid in September 2022 and has been subjected to shelling and drone attacks throughout the 21-month conflict. The latest incident raises renewed fears about the safety and security of the plant amid the ongoing tensions in the region.