Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya nuclear power station – the largest in Europe – lost connection to a third power line on Wednesday, with state nuclear operator Energoatom warning that it was currently impossible to repair the line because of active combat operations in the area.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said two other power lines remained available and there was no safety concern.

The six-unit station has four high voltage (750 kV) offsite power lines plus one on standby. Two of the four were damaged earlier.

The Ukrainian regulator SNRIU said it was not clear what had caused yesterday’s loss of a third line. It said the remaining power line and the one on standby were sufficient to ensure that all safety systems remained fully functional without limitations. Like other nuclear plants in Ukraine and elsewhere, the plant also has backup diesel generators in case they are needed.