Russia's Threat to European Nuclear Security: Zaporizhzhia NPP at Risk

Ukrainian officials have been warning that Russia plans to blow up the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe, to halt Ukrainian advances. However, experts say the risk is largely curbed due to the cold shutdown of the plant's reactors. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been monitoring the site and has not observed any visible indications of mines or explosives. While the threat should be taken seriously, experts believe that an explosion at the plant would be less damaging than the recent blowing up of the Kakhovka Dam. The American Nuclear Society also states that the shutdown reactors limit the risk of fallout, and any potential release of radiological material would be restricted to the immediate area surrounding the reactors.