Ukraine faces multiple challenges: nuclear plant power outage, journalist killed, and expanded Russian attacks

Ukraine grapples with the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant's loss of external power, the death of a French journalist, and intensified Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure.

4 oct 2025 - 03:09 • 4 min read

Kyiv, Ukraine – The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has brought new challenges, including the prolonged loss of external power at Europe's largest nuclear facility, the tragic death of a French photojournalist, and a significant escalation in Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

The Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been cut off from external power since September 23, relying on emergency diesel generators for cooling its reactors. Rafael Grossi, the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog, stated on Friday that proposals to restore off-site power were being discussed with both Russia and Ukraine. He described the situation as a "question of political will," emphasizing that while both sides are ready to conduct necessary repairs on their respective sides of the frontline, an improved security situation is required to allow technicians to work safely.

French Journalist Killed by Russian Drone

French photojournalist Antoni Lallican, 37, was killed by a Russian drone attack in eastern Ukraine on Friday. Lallican, an award-winning photographer, was embedded with Ukraine’s Fourth Armoured Brigade near the frontline in the Donbas region when the attack occurred. Ukrainian journalist Georgiy Ivanchenko was wounded in the same incident. Both journalists were wearing protective gear and vests clearly marked with "PRESS." The Ukrainian Union of Journalists stated that Lallican was killed near Druzhkivka, a highly contested area. The union accused the Russian army of deliberately targeting journalists to prevent documentation of war crimes. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed "deep sadness" over Lallican's death, attributing it to a Russian drone attack. The European and International Federations of Journalists condemned the act as a "war crime," while Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called it a "heinous crime and violation of international humanitarian law."

Russia launched its largest attack on Ukraine’s gas network since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, according to Naftogaz, Ukraine's state-owned gas operator. The attack, which involved approximately 35 missiles and 60 drones, targeted facilities in the north-eastern Kharkiv and central Poltava regions. While some projectiles were intercepted, Naftogaz reported significant and in some cases critical damage to its facilities. Power outages were reported in several regions across Ukraine, as confirmed by the energy ministry.

In a separate incident, a Russian drone attack caused a fire on a farm in north-eastern Ukraine overnight Friday, resulting in the deaths of approximately 13,000 pigs. A farm worker was also injured in the attack.

Ukraine Severs Ties with Nicaragua

Ukraine has severed diplomatic ties with Nicaragua following the latter's recognition of occupied Ukrainian territory as Russian. Nicaragua was among a small number of UN countries that voted against condemning Russia's invasion in 2022. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega had previously described the invasion as a "heroic battle against Nato-backed Ukrainian neo-nazism." Ukraine's Foreign Ministry stated that Nicaragua's move was an "attempt to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is preparing decisions on joint arms production with its key partners, including localization within Ukraine. He highlighted that these are "serious decisions" with significant benefits for Ukraine's defense industry. Zelensky also indicated that production facilities located in Ukraine will contribute to protecting the country's skies. He expressed gratitude to partners for their interest in collaborating with Ukraine and its industry, mentioning discussions at the European Political Community summit in Denmark.

Furthermore, Zelensky stated that new sanctions decisions are being prepared, including the extension of existing sanctions and the introduction of new measures against companies and individuals involved in the Russian defense industry. He emphasized that these combined sanctions with partners will increase pressure on Russia.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) reported thwarting a Russian intelligence operation in Mykolaiv, apprehending a couple accused of attempting to steal defense secrets. A Russian female agent was detained while trying to identify the locations of dispersed defense facilities in the region. Investigations revealed she had recruited her partner, an employee of a Ukrainian defense plant, to aid in the operation. The SSU uncovered the pair early in their collaboration, preventing the female agent from reporting to her Russian handler, identified as Serhy Lebedev of the FSB and Russian military intelligence. The agents face charges of treason and unauthorized dissemination of information about the Armed Forces of Ukraine during martial law.