Overview

• External power has been cut since September 23, with cooling now reliant on diesel generators the IAEA calls a last line of defense and fuel reserves estimated at roughly ten days as of September 30.
• Russia controls the facility and limits observer access, while the cause of the last grid line failure is disputed, with Ukraine and Greenpeace alleging sabotage and the IAEA unable to inspect the damage site.
• Ukrainian nuclear experts say on‑site generator capacity and continuing diesel deliveries reduce immediate risk, yet IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warns the current setup is not a sustainable safety condition.
• A Russian strike on infrastructure near Chernobyl briefly knocked out power there before backup systems stabilized operations and regular electricity was restored, with radiation readings reported within norms.
• An NGO documents detentions, torture claims and military use of the plant grounds in Enerhodar, and international reports note increased military activity and drone sightings near other Ukrainian reactor sites.