KYIV, May 6 – Any attempt to restart power generation at the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which remains under Russian occupation, must be regarded as an act of nuclear terrorism, according to Oleh Korikov, Head of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU) and the country's Chief Inspector for Nuclear and Radiation Safety. Korikov made the statement during an online address to the International Nuclear Regulators Association (INRA) on May 5.

"Any current attempts to 'restart' the ZNPP and resume power generation must be viewed as acts of nuclear terrorism, with the potential to cause catastrophic consequences for the entire world," Korikov said, as quoted on the SNRIU website on Tuesday.

He explained that the occupation has led to the degradation of nuclear and radiation safety at the site. Emergency preparedness and response systems, early warning systems, and radiation monitoring infrastructure are not functioning. The plant lacks reliable water supply, stable external power, and proper technical maintenance for safety-critical systems. Moreover, qualified personnel are absent, and Russian military forces continue to militarize the plant.

Given these conditions, Korikov stressed, it is impossible to operate the ZNPP at any power-generating level. Any statements or plans regarding the "restart" of its reactors are purely speculative.

He also drew attention to the restricted access of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts imposed by the occupiers and to continued Russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure, which are essential for maintaining safety at Ukrainian nuclear facilities. (om/ez)