Greenpeace: Russia Sabotaging Zaporizhzhia Power Lines

Greenpeace has concluded that Russia is responsible for sabotaging power supply lines at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), refuting Russian claims that Ukrainian attacks were the cause. The environmental organization's investigation, conducted by its investigative unit Unearthed, analyzed satellite imagery and open-source intelligence to assess damage to the plant's external power infrastructure. The findings, published on May 2, 2024, indicate that the damage to the 330kV power line connecting the ZNPP to the Dnipro HES substation likely resulted from deliberate Russian actions, not from Ukrainian shelling as Moscow has asserted. The report specifically points to the timing and nature of the damage, noting that the power line was intact on July 19, 2023, but showed signs of damage by July 23, 2023. During this period, the ZNPP was under Russian occupation, and there were no reports of significant Ukrainian military activity in the immediate vicinity that could have caused such damage to the external power line. Greenpeace Unearthed's analysis suggests that the damage was consistent with deliberate sabotage, potentially to create a pretext for further escalation or to control the narrative surrounding the plant's operational status. The ZNPP, located in Enerhodar, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022, shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Its proximity to the front lines and its status as Europe's largest nuclear power plant have made it a focal point of international concern regarding nuclear safety and security. Russia has repeatedly accused Ukraine of shelling the plant, while Ukraine has accused Russia of militarizing the site and using it as a shield. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has maintained a presence at the plant to monitor its safety and security, but has faced challenges in verifying all aspects of its operation due to the ongoing conflict and occupation. This Greenpeace investigation adds another layer to the complex and contested information surrounding the ZNPP, directly challenging the Russian government's official statements and providing an alternative explanation for the damage to critical power infrastructure. The findings underscore the persistent risks to nuclear safety posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the challenges in obtaining independent verification of events at the occupied facility. The report emphasizes the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into all incidents affecting the plant's safety and security, particularly given the potential for catastrophic consequences.