Current State of Nuclear Security at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
The situation at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is becoming increasingly precarious due to declining cooling pond water levels, a shortage of diesel fuel, and insufficient qualified personnel. As of October 12, the water level in the cooling pond dropped to 12.27 meters—well below the required 15 meters necessary for safe plant operation. Throughout the first half of October, all six reactors at the ZNPP remained in cold shutdown mode, producing no electricity.
Water levels have steadily declined since early August, when they measured 12.63 meters, falling to 12.34 meters at the start of October and 12.55 meters by the end of August. The occupying authorities have failed to provide adequate diesel fuel supplies, leaving reserves dangerously low. To keep the diesel generators operational in case of a total power outage, approximately 150 tons of fuel per day are required.
Due to fuel scarcity, occupiers are considering reducing the number of backup diesel generators and are reportedly exploring covert fuel deliveries—potentially involving low-quality fuel—without notifying the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Staffing Issues and Humanitarian Impact
Ukraine proposed restoring power to the 750 kV Dniprovska transmission line via the 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 substation to improve the plant’s electricity supply. However, Russia rejected this offer, effectively blocking a solution that could mitigate risks to nuclear safety, according to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry Intelligence Directorate.
Currently, only 1,450 employees remain on-site at ZNPP, compared to roughly 5,000 staff positions at the plant and about 11,000 specialists before Russia’s full-scale invasion. The occupying administration has shifted many workers to remote duties or forced unpaid leave, threatening to cut salaries for those allegedly 'failing to fulfill duties.' They also plan to replace Ukrainian experts with trainees from Russian regions through specialized training programs.
In the nearby city of Enerhodar, residents face frequent disruptions in mobile and internet services, alongside ongoing electricity and water shortages. The community is also struggling with limited access to fuel, potable water, and food supplies.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence warns that Russia is deliberately tightening information isolation in Enerhodar to suppress details about the critical circumstances at the city and the nuclear plant.
There are reports of intentional internet and mobile network shutdowns and incidents of harassment by Russian 'police' forces against civilians.
The challenges at Zaporizhzhia NPP not only jeopardize nuclear safety but also threaten the broader energy infrastructure in the region. Declining operational conditions—especially the shortages of water and fuel—increase risks for local populations. Russia’s refusal to accept Ukraine’s proposals for improving power supply reflects broader political and strategic motives that may further worsen the humanitarian crisis. Given this, sustained international oversight and diplomatic engagement remain vital to safeguarding the plant and the surrounding communities.