On July 4, 2025, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine lost its external power supply due to a Russian strike that damaged the last functioning power line connecting it to the Ukrainian grid.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the plant lost grid connection at 5:36 pm local time, leaving it reliant on emergency diesel generators.

Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko attributed the power outage to Russian shelling, emphasizing the critical nature of the affected line for maintaining the cooling systems of the plant's six reactors.

This incident marked the ninth time since the onset of the full-scale invasion that the plant has been completely disconnected from external power.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi described the situation as 'extremely precarious,' warning that reliance on temporary emergency systems heightens the risk of a nuclear accident.

Experts have echoed these concerns, stating that the ongoing conflict significantly threatens nuclear safety at the facility.

Since its takeover by Russian forces in March 2022, the Zaporizhzhia plant has remained a focal point of international concern regarding nuclear safety in conflict zones.

In response to the escalating risks, the IAEA has called for the establishment of a demilitarized zone around the facility and urged for urgent safety guarantees.

Grossi emphasized that the fragile situation could result in serious consequences if hostilities escalate further.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a 'deliberate act of terror' and called for increased production and training of interceptor drones.

The ongoing conflict has prompted discussions in Germany about purchasing more Patriot air defense systems from the US to counter Russia's aerial attacks.

Amidst these tensions, a fresh prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine was announced following talks in Istanbul, although details remain undisclosed.