UN Nuclear Watchdog Condemns Attacks on Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant
VIENNA — The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency, Rafael Grossi, has strongly condemned the recent attacks on the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, calling them “an absolute no go”. The targeting of the power plant on Sunday marked a major escalation in the level of danger facing the facility.
This was the first direct attack on the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The plant has been under Russian occupation since the early days of the conflict.
While there were no indications of damage to critical nuclear safety systems, the attacks served as a stark reminder of the threats facing the plant and other nuclear facilities in the region during the ongoing war, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Director General Grossi emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating that it had the potential to undermine the integrity of the reactor’s containment system. He called for an immediate cessation of such reckless attacks, as they significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident.
Grossi reiterated that attacks on nuclear facilities offer no military or political advantage and are unacceptable. He urged military leaders to respect the principles that safeguard nuclear facilities and refrain from any actions that jeopardize their safety.
IAEA experts, who were present at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant at the time of the attacks, confirmed the physical impact of the drone strikes. They observed remnants of drones at multiple locations on the site, indicating the severity of the attacks.
Throughout the day, the experts reported hearing explosions, rifle fire, and outgoing artillery fire near the plant. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about further attacks on the facility.
The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely and calls for an immediate end to any actions that put nuclear facilities at risk. The safety and security of these plants must be prioritized to prevent a potential nuclear disaster.
