How Russia fires dangerously close near Ukraine's nuclear facilities | DW News

The report investigates the precarious situation at Ukraine’s nuclear power plants as they navigate the ongoing impacts of Russia’s invasion. Correspondents gain rare access to the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, where engineers perform emergency exercises to manage output in response to grid instability caused by Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. Personnel explain the extreme pressure of maintaining reactor safety while operating under the constant shadow of potential missile proximity. A nuclear expert from King's College London provides context on the technical risks, noting that cutting external power is as dangerous as a direct hit because it compromises essential cooling systems. Furthermore, the report discusses the ongoing security concerns at the occupied Zaporizhzhia plant, emphasizing that even in a 'cold shutdown' state, significant risks remain if cooling protocols are disrupted or if radioactive material is released, creating a potential catastrophe with transboundary consequences.