Finance
Rosatom boss warns of 'increased military risks' around zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 13, 2026
1 min readLast updated: March 13, 2026
Quick Summary
Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev warns of heightened military threats around Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, citing increased artillery, drone and mortar attacks causing power disruptions. He welcomes the IAEA‑brokered fifth temporary ceasefire to restore power supply.
Rosatom Chief Warns of Rising Military Threats at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
Escalating Risks and International Response at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Increased Military Activity Around the Plant
MOSCOW, March 13 (Reuters) - The head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom warned on Friday of "increased military risks" around Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant due to intensifying combat in the area.
"The number of artillery strikes, drone attacks and mortar fire has been increasing in recent months," Alexei Likhachev said following a meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi in Moscow.
Impact on Plant Operations
"The industrial zone is under constant attack from both artillery and drones, which is causing power cuts from time to time," he added.
Efforts Toward Ceasefire and Power Restoration
International Mediation and Ceasefire Initiatives
Likhachev said Russia welcomed an initiative by Grossi to establish a ceasefire around the nuclear plant, which has seen heavy fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces, in order to restore the power supply.
Recent Ceasefire Developments
Such a ceasefire was declared for the fifth time earlier this month.
(Reporting by Anastasia Lyrchikova; Editing by Gleb Bryanski and Joe Bavier)
Key Takeaways
- •Likhachev highlights growing military risks—artillery, drones, mortar fire—jeopardizing safety and causing intermittent power outages at Europe’s largest nuclear power station.
- •Both Russia and Ukraine agreed to a fifth localized ceasefire around Zaporizhzhia NPP, facilitated by the IAEA, enabling repair teams to restore the damaged 330 kV backup power line.
- •IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s initiative underscores ongoing concerns over nuclear safety amid intensifying combat, reinforcing the need for neutral corridors to protect critical infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rosatom boss warns of 'increased military risks' around Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
1Who warned about increased military risks at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant?
Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, issued the warning.
2What types of attacks have increased around the Zaporizhzhia plant?
There has been an increase in artillery strikes, drone attacks, and mortar fire.
3What impact have these attacks had on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant?
The attacks have caused intermittent power cuts and constant threat to the industrial zone.
4What initiative has Russia supported to reduce the risks?
Russia welcomed an International Atomic Energy Agency initiative to establish a ceasefire around the plant.
5How many ceasefires have been declared at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant?
A ceasefire was declared for the fifth time earlier this month.