IAEA Concerned About Situation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

IAEA Chief Calls for Restraint Following Reports of Drone Strike Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has urged both Russia and Ukraine to exercise “maximum restraint” after reports emerged of a Ukrainian drone strike that, according to Russian authorities, hit an access road leading to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The IAEA team at Zaporizhzhia was informed by the Russian occupiers of the plant that an explosive carried by the drone detonated just outside the plant’s protected area. The impact site was near critical cooling water spray ponds and approximately 100 meters from the Dniprovska power line—the only remaining 750 kV line supplying power to the plant. In its statement, the IAEA confirmed that its team immediately visited the site and verified the plant authorities’ account of the strike.

“We remain deeply concerned. I reiterate the call for maximum restraint from all parties and strict adherence to the five concrete principles established to safeguard the plant,” emphasized the IAEA Director General.

Ukraine Denies Involvement, Accuses Russia of Escalation

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the Russian allegations as “crazy propaganda.” Ukraine has consistently denied involvement and accused Moscow of spreading disinformation to escalate tensions in the region.

“We officially reject these false claims. Ukraine has neither the intent nor the capacity to carry out such actions. Russia must stop disseminating dangerous lies,” said Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi. Importantly, the IAEA has neither confirmed nor denied whether the drone belonged to Ukraine.

The IAEA has been closely monitoring the situation around the plant, which is located in a conflict zone. A week ago, the agency reported a fire at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, stating that there were “no signs of nuclear safety risks.” At the time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned via Telegram that “the Russians had set fire to the plant’s cooling tower.”

Since the nuclear plant’s occupation by Russian forces in March 2022, the situation at Zaporizhzhia has remained highly tense, with any incidents concerning its safety raising serious international concerns. The IAEA continues to call for the avoidance of actions that could escalate the conflict or jeopardize nuclear safety in the region.

Source: pap.pl