There is a growing worry about a potential crisis at a Ukrainian nuclear plant as Russia has disconnected the power supply to the region. The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia area has been without external power for three days, raising concerns about the six-reactor facility located in Ukraine’s frontlines. The last power line connecting to the plant was severed from the Russian side on Tuesday afternoon, with no indication of when it might be restored.

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has expressed deep concern over the situation at the plant. Despite meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, the power supply remains disconnected. Experts believe Putin may be orchestrating a crisis to strengthen his control over the disputed region, using the nuclear plant as a bargaining tool, as stated by a Ukrainian official.

While a nuclear power station can typically function without external power for up to 72 hours, the situation beyond that timeframe is uncharted territory, according to Ukrainian sources. Russian forces took control of the plant in March 2022, supplying electricity to around 4 million households.

The IAEA has been informed by Russian operators that there is sufficient diesel to operate the generators for 20 days without requiring additional fuel. However, Grossi maintains apprehension regarding the potential for a nuclear incident.

Ukrainian authorities are apprehensive about the possibility of fuel overheating uncontrollably in the reactors over several weeks, potentially leading to a meltdown. There are indications that Russia may be close to establishing a new power line into the plant, passing through occupied areas in an attempt to resolve the impending crisis that they themselves have created.

“They will try to present themselves as heroes,” the same Ukrainian official remarked. Following their meeting, Grossi and Putin have not provided detailed comments on the crisis. Putin assured Grossi of support for the agency’s work, possibly aiming to sway the ongoing conflict in his favor, especially after signals of support from former US President Donald Trump towards Ukraine’s territorial claims that were previously disregarded by his administration.