Zelenskyy: Russia Has Turned Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Into Military Base

(CHORNOBYL, UKRAINE) – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that Russian occupation forces have converted the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, into a military base, using it to store weaponry and launch attacks on Ukrainian territory.

Speaking on the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, the Ukrainian leader detailed the extent of the militarisation. He stated that the occupiers are storing weapons, shells, and military equipment at the plant, have mined its perimeter, and are holding the city of Enerhodar effectively hostage. The facility has suffered 14 total blackouts since its seizure.

“When the world deals with Russia, everyone must realise that they are dealing with an absolutely irresponsible and, in many ways, simply foolish force that must be realistically constrained for the safety of us all. That is why the world’s sanctions must be strong, the opposition to evil must be strong, and the support for those who protect life must also be strong enough,” President Zelenskyy emphasised.

The President underscored the gravity of Russian recklessness by referencing a drone strike that hit the confinement structure covering the remains of the destroyed fourth power unit at Chornobyl. He argued this incident proves that Russia cannot be a participant in civilised international relations.

The damaged Chornobyl confinement structure was the subject of discussions between President Zelenskyy and the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development regarding restoration efforts. That facility was struck by a Russian drone in February 2025.

The ZNPP lost external power supply again on 26 April 2026, marking the latest in a series of dangerous disconnections that raise the persistent risk of a radiological incident at the occupied site.