IAEA Director to visit Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant amid ongoing safety concerns

This inspection aims to address ongoing safety concerns at the facility located in the heart of the Ukraine war zone.

Grossi will lead the 16th rotation of IAEA experts at the ZNPP, focusing on evaluating current safety measures, particularly the water supply situation for reactor cooling. The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant has forced ZNPP to rely on precarious ground water sources, raising critical concerns.

Grossi will engage in discussions with the Russian management of the plant, seeking clarity on their long-term plans for operation and potential reactor restarts. Transparency and IAEA access remain crucial for effectively assessing the safety situation.

Following the ZNPP visit, Grossi will travel to Russia for political and technical discussions with officials. This aims to address broader issues surrounding the facility's occupation and its role in the ongoing conflict.

Grossi underscored the continuous dangers at ZNPP due to its location in active war territory. Recent Russian mine placements around the perimeter further exacerbate security concerns. He highlighted the unpredictable nature of the situation, with risks fluctuating depending on battlefield developments.

The IAEA has repeatedly warned about the severe nuclear safety threats posed by the conflict. Limited access for IAEA experts, ongoing shelling near the plant, and the precarious water supply all contribute to a potentially catastrophic situation.

The mission to Zaporizhzhia underscores the international community's deep concern about the unfolding nuclear safety crisis. Grossi's efforts to assess the situation and facilitate dialogue offer a ray of hope in navigating this delicate and potentially disastrous situation. (ILKHA)