Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary ceasefire zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. This was announced by the International Atomic Energy Agency on 27 February 2026. The ceasefire will be used to repair back-up power line to the plant. This power line is necessary to provide cooling to the reactor.
Nuclear power plant shut down as safety measure
The nuclear power plant Zaporizhzhia is the largest in Ukraine. The plant has been in Russian hands since 4 March 2022 and was shut down as a safety measure soon after the war began. That means less power is necessary to cool the fissionable material in the reactors. Power is supplied by lines connected to Ukraine’s electricity grid.
As an additional precaution, there are also back-up power lines. The current ceasefire will be used to repair a 330 kilovolt back-up power line. This power line sustained damage during hostilities on 10 February. The nuclear power plant was still being supplied with power by the 750 kilovolt main line.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Source: Wikimedia
A month without power
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was without power between 23 September and 23 October 2026. This was due to Russia disabling the connection to the electricity grid. There was no immediate danger as the plant was able to continue cooling thanks to emergency power from diesel generators.
The grid connection is an important safety concern. The diesel generators are intended as an back-up power source in case of disruptions, not as a long-term solution. Even if the plant were no longer to receive any power at all, it would take approximately three weeks for an accident scenario to develop.
No special measures in the Netherlands
The IAEA will continue to monitor the situation closely, as it is a clear threat to nuclear safety. We will be doing likewise, with particular attention to the implications for the Netherlands. The Netherlands will not be implementing any special protection measures at this time.
Want to know more?
View the IAEA’s updates or learn more about our role as a point of contact for nuclear and radiation accidents.
Nuclear facilities in Ukraine.