Ukraine has cut off the last power transmission line supporting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP), the plant has switched to diesel generators, Vladimir Rogov, a senior official of the Zaporozhye regional administration, told Sputnik on Thursday.
"Early this morning ... [Kiev] turned off the last power line ... which feeds the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. The nuclear power plant is currently de-energized and switched to providing its own needs through the operation of diesel generators," Rogov said.
Cold shutdowns were initiated at two of the ZNPP's six power units due to Ukraine's cutting power supply, the official added, denouncing Kiev's move as a provocation in a scenario where Russia will then be accused of failing to ensure security at the nuclear facility.
All safety systems at the station were working normally when it switched to the diesel generators, the press service of the ZNPP said.
"Last night, diesel generators were automatically launched to provide the station's own needs due to a short circuit in the line between the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant and the Dneprovsk substation of the ZNPP. All safety systems worked normally. There are enough fuel reserves to ensure the work of the diesel generators and they are being constantly refilled," the press service stated.
It added that radiation levels around the station were normal, with no changes reported following the disruption with power supply.
