Russian forces build illegal structures in premises of Zaporizhzhia NPP, interfere with operation of plant's systems

Oleh Korikov, acting head of Ukraine's State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, said this during a briefing.

“Unauthorized changes to the design state of nuclear facilities are taking place at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The occupying Russian forces are illegally interfering with the operation of heat and power supply systems and building unknown structures near the backup power plant of unit № 6,” Korikov said.

He added that the invading Russian forces have dismantled the internal crisis center at the Zaporizhzhia NPP and deployed the military there. As a result, the center cannot perform its functions. At the same time, the external crisis center has no connection, as the Russians have disabled communication.

According to Korikov, it is currently impossible to estimate the amount of damage caused by the Russians, which will be determined by a post-occupation examination. He added that the risk of decommissioning the plant due to the damage is out of the question now.

“We have not lost hope for the plant's return to safe operation after de-occupation,” Korikov emphasized.