Petro Andriushchenko, head of the Center for Occupation Studies, reveals why the Kremlin needs Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. He says Russia plans to use it to to supply electricity to a military facility at Azovstal in Mariupol. The exact purpose of this facility remains unknown.

Andriushchenko notes that the IAEA, which continuously monitors the situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuclear plant in Europe, could have detected such plans.

“What we’ve been warning about for over a year is now becoming reality, under the conspicuous silence of the IAEA and Energoatom,” he says.

Documents show preparations underway

Andriushchenko publishes photocopies of several pages from a site planning project developed by the Donbas National Academy of Construction and Architecture.

The documents indicate reconstruction of the 110 kV Zarya-Illich power line with a branch to Azovstal substation No. 7, and construction of the 110 kV Zarya-Azovstal line No. 8. The project contractor is LLC “Kashpin.”

The plan involves restoring 26.68 km of power lines and replacing 18 supports to ensure electricity for new military facilities.

Zaporizhzhia NPP as a strategic Kremlin resource

“A military facility will be built at Azovstal, powered by Zaporizhzhia NPP? Judging by the technical documentation—yes,” Andriushchenko explains.

While Mariupol continues to survive without water, Russian forces are quietly connecting the destroyed Azovstal plant to the power grid, implementing the project step by step.

Meanwhile, the EU and its member states say they are “deeply concerned” about the risks to nuclear safety caused by Russia’s illegal military aggression, its seizure of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, and the intense military activity near Ukrainian nuclear facilities. Ukraine claims that the threat will remain as long as the facility stays under Russian occupation.