Russia cuts internet in Zaporizhzhia; nuclear watchdog IAEA concerned

Russian forces on Sunday reportedly turned off communication services and internet for staff in the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar, Ukraine, hours after taking control of the facility.

Ukraine’s nuclear regulator said that phone lines, fax, and email were not working at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, while cellphone connection was extremely poor.

Russia’s alleged move to cut external communications, which is in contravention of nuclear safety guidelines, comes days after the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) clarified the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety on March 2.

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Commenting on the new development, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed concern, saying, “I’m extremely concerned about these developments that were reported to me today. Just a few days after I presented the seven main elements of nuclear safety and security to the IAEA Board, several of them are already being compromised.”

“In order to be able to operate the plant safely and securely, management and staff must be allowed to carry out their vital duties in stable conditions without undue external interference or pressure,” Grossi added.

The 61-year-old went on to highlight the risks of communication disruptions at nuclear power plants, and said that communications were an indispensable part of nuclear safety.

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“The deteriorating situation regarding vital communications between the regulator and the Zaporizhzhia NPP is also a source of deep concern, especially during an armed conflict that may jeopardize the country’s nuclear facilities at any time. Reliable communications between the regulator and the operator are a critical part of overall nuclear safety and security,” Grossi explained.

The IAEA also said that it had received reports of a growing food shortage at the Zaporizhzhia NPP from Ukraine’s nuclear regulator, which could negatively affect staff morale, and in turn, nuclear safety.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, Russian forces have launched offensives against nuclear sites in Ukraine: Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia have already fallen and reports suggest that the Russians are also closing in on Ukraine’s second largest nuclear power plant, the Yuzhnoukrainsk Nuclear Electricity Station in Mykolaiv Oblast.