Rafael Grossi stated that he was concerned about the damage caused to the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in the offensive operations of the Ukrainian forces.
According to the International Service of Radio and Television News Agency, citing Tel Trader, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, announced Tuesday: I am very concerned that the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine will be caught in the offensive operations of this country.
He told reporters at a news conference in Kiev: “I will soon visit the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant to ensure its stability.”
Russian officials say Ukrainian forces have intensified their attacks in the Zaporizhia region and have brought artillery units and armored vehicles closer to the area. Currently, the Zaporizhia power plant is on standby due to the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam.
The Kakhovka Dam supplied the water needed to cool the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant. And although IAEA officials currently say there is enough water to cool the plant in a pond built near it, an exchange of fire between the two sides near the plant could cause damage to the plant and the risk of nuclear leakage into the environment.
The Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and one of the 10 largest nuclear power plants in the world, built during the Soviet Union period. Russia has controlled this power plant and the surrounding areas since last year.
In September last year, Russia annexed four regions in eastern Ukraine by holding a referendum. One of these regions was the Zaporizhia province. This province is famous for the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is considered the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. However, with the continuing hostile relations between the two parties, the future of operation of this power plant as well as the risk of an accident has worried international authorities.
