Nuclear safety situation at Zaporizhzhia plant deteriorates amid attacks
Serviceman with a Russian flag on his uniform stands guard near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the course of Ukraine-Russia conflict outside the Russian-controlled city of Enerhodar in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine August 4, 2022. (Reuters Photo)
Russia’s State Nuclear Energy Corporation, Rosatom, has reported a worsening situation around the Zaporizhzhia and Kursk nuclear power plants due to Ukrainian attacks.
In a written statement, Rosatom revealed that its Director General, Alexey Likhachev, had discussed the situation with Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Likhachev expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions around the two nuclear facilities, emphasizing the risks posed by Ukraine’s continued attacks near the plants. The statement warned that such actions threaten not only the safety of the plants but also the IAEA’s nuclear safety protocols.
Situation is ‘deteriorating’ in Zaporizhzhia
Meanwhile, IAEA highlights that the nuclear safety situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is “deteriorating.”
The Russian Defense Ministry also reported signs of Ukraine preparing an attack on the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, cautioning that any such action would provoke a “harsh response.”
Since Russia took control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in March 2022, both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of attacks around the facility.
In the Kursk region, intense clashes have erupted following Ukrainian attacks that began on August 6.
