The Russian Federation is actively expanding infrastructure in the occupied southeastern territories of Ukraine in an effort to connect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) to its national energy system. Since early February 2025, more than 80 kilometers of power lines and poles have been built between Mariupol and Berdiansk along the Sea of Azov coast. Satellite images obtained by Greenpeace indicate plans to link these lines to a major substation near Mariupol, which had previously been connected to the ZNPP, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing The New York Times.
These developments signal Russia’s intention to restart and operate the seized nuclear facility, disregarding international appeals to resolve the plant’s status through peace negotiations. It remains unclear whether the plant’s launch is intended before or after the cessation of hostilities. However, experts note that several more power lines must be built for full integration of the ZNPP into the Russian grid.
Russia has already attempted to connect the ZNPP to its power system, but those efforts have failed. Acting head of Ukraine’s State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, Oleh Korikov, stated that all previous attempts by Russian forces had been unsuccessful.
Additionally, Russia is attempting to establish a puppet operating organization for the ZNPP, which is not recognized by any country. The nuclear facility has effectively been transformed into a military and repair base, where military equipment is being serviced.
Ukraine and international bodies, including the IAEA and the UN, have repeatedly emphasized that the Zaporizhzhia NPP is Ukrainian property and that any electricity produced by the facility belongs to Ukraine.
Earlier we wrote that Tehran insists on right to nuclear energy.