IAEA reports heavy attack on Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant, threatening nuclear plant power supply
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on June 4 that the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP) came under heavy attack, threatening the sole remaining external power line supplying the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The IAEA team at the ZNPP observed light smoke from the thermal plant and heard military activity; staff at the ZTPP are sheltering. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called for an immediate halt to the attack to avoid a prolonged power loss at the nuclear plant.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on June 4 that the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP) came under a heavy attack, threatening the sole remaining external power line supplying the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
The IAEA team stationed at the ZNPP observed light smoke rising from the direction of the thermal power plant and heard sounds of military activity, the agency said in a statement. The ZTPP's switchyard helps deliver electricity to the ZNPP. Staff at the ZTPP are currently sheltering due to the attack, according to the IAEA.
The IAEA said the incident raises serious concern about the ZNPP's sole remaining external power line, which in recent weeks has been disconnected several times, leaving the plant entirely reliant on emergency diesel generators for the electricity needed to cool its six reactors and avoid the threat of a nuclear accident. The power line remains connected for now.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called for an immediate halt to the attack. "The attack must stop immediately to avoid a prolonged loss of power at the ZNPP," Grossi said.
On the night of June 2-3, the ZNPP experienced its 17th blackout since being occupied by Russian forces and the fifth since the beginning of 2026, after the disconnection of the Ferrosplavna-1 transmission line.