Situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP becoming “increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous” – Grossi

Representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) present at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) have reported the presence of shelling, leading to the situation becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, reported this.

"The general situation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant area is becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous. I am highly concerned about the very real risks to the nuclear and physical safety of the plant.

We must act immediately to prevent the threat of a severe nuclear accident and the associated consequences for the population and the environment. This large nuclear facility must be protected.

I will continue to insist that all parties commit to this vital goal, and the IAEA will continue to do everything it can to help ensure nuclear safety and security at the station," Grossi said.

As he said, IAEA experts at the ZNPP received information that the Russians have begun evacuating the residents of Enerhodar, where most of the station's personnel live.

Grossi expressed concern about the increasingly stressful and challenging conditions for station staff and their families.

In addition, the head of the organization added that IAEA experts continue to hear shelling regularly; in particular, they heard it on the evening of May 5.

It should be noted that Energoatom National Atomic Power Generating Company denied the statements of pro-Russian propaganda information resources regarding the complete shutdown of the Zaporizhzhya NPP.

For reference:

As Rubryka wrote, the Russian invaders placed military equipment and explosives in the premises of the turbine section of the power unit No. 4 of the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

On March 4, 2022, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops captured the nuclear and thermal power plants in Energodar during the battle. By March 12, it had been reported that the facility was taken over by the Russian company, Rosatom. During the shelling of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, the occupiers damaged a variety of objects on the territory, resulting in preliminary estimated losses of UAH 18.3 billion.