The International Atomic Energy Agency demanded to be granted access to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant following the facility’s shelling by Russian troops, according to a statement by the Director General of the agency, Rafael Grossi, on Aug. 6.
“I’m extremely concerned by the shelling at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, which underlines the very real risk of a nuclear disaster that could threaten public health and the environment in Ukraine and beyond,” Grossi said.
He stressed the unacceptability of military action that endangers the Zaporizhzhia NPP, and stated that “it must be avoided at all costs.”
“I strongly and urgently appeal to all parties to exercise the utmost restraint in the vicinity of this important nuclear facility, with its six reactors,” says the statement.
“And I condemn any violent acts carried out at or near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant or against its staff.”
The IAEA Director General added that Ukrainian personnel working at the occupied station should be able to perform their duties without threats or pressure, which can also undermine the safety of the nuclear power plant.
“In order to help prevent the situation from spiraling even more out of control, the IAEA’s presence to provide technical support for nuclear safety and security is of paramount importance,” Grossi stated.
“For the last four months now, I have been ready to lead a mission of IAEA safety, security and safeguards experts to the country’s biggest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzia… That this vital mission has not yet happened is not because of the IAEA. Despite our determined efforts, it has not been possible, so far. I will not give up. I will continue to push – and push again – for this IAEA mission to finally take place.”
Earlier, Russian outlet The Insider reported that the occupying forces might have mined the nuclear plant.
The Zaporizhzhia NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and has been occupied by Russian forces since March 4. Several ZNPP facilities have been damaged by Russian shelling, and the station’s employees are captives of the occupying troops.
The ZNPP was brought back to operation in April under Russian control, although it is still providing power to Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have noted that Russia is using the territory of the ZNPP to fire on Ukrainian positions with impunity, since Ukraine will not shell the territory of a nuclear facility.
The press service of Energoatom, Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear operator, reported on July 21 that the Russian military placed no less than 14 units of heavy military equipment with ammunition, weapons and explosives in the engine room of the first power unit of the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Russia of using the Zaporizhzhia NPP as a “nuclear shield” and called the actions of the Russia “the height of irresponsibility.”
Russian troops recently staged a false flag attack on the plant, shelling it twice on Aug. 5. As a result, several power lines were damaged, and the plant’s 4th power unit was disconnected from the power system and put into reserve. The line that transports hydrogen to the ZNPP was also impacted, causing a fire.
“I strongly and urgently appeal to all parties to exercise the utmost restraint in the vicinity of this important nuclear facility, with its six reactors,”
Yet another useless fucking organisation scared of telling the truth. russia must have lined a hell of a lot of bank accounts in these hot air organisations. Only one side is storing weapons in a nuclear plant, only one side is firing weapons from a nuclear plant, Muscovy. Is that too hard to say?
“I have been ready to lead a mission of IAEA safety, security and safeguards experts to the country’s biggest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzia… That this vital mission has not yet happened is not because of the IAEA.”
Well then who?! Name names if you’re serious, the world will want to know.
If Ukraine really was shelling this nuke plant, I doubt even stupid Russians would be hanging around waiting. They would be out of there, but then again, nobody with a brain would dig trenches at Chornobyl.
Especially in the Red Forest area!!!
Yeah, they keep repeating the mantra that Ukraine secretly wishes to destroy their own people so they won’t talk about the secret Nazis running the country. Even after the Maidan they try this ridiculous projection.
Just today they released information from a Russian Commander and he said the entire facility is mined and if the NPP is not given to Russia they will blow it up. That is official Russian Military statement. I will try to find the article.
Hot air has never impressed the cockroaches in mafia land, is not impressing them, and will never impress them. Hard, concrete sanctions will. More military aid to Ukraine too. Everything else is a complete waste of time and air.
Oh I think Russia is cared of the IAEA. I’m sure Putin doesn’t want them to wag their finger at him.