IAEA finally gains access to reactor halls at Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia plant

After a series of denies Russian-controlled government, the IAEA finally gained access to Unit 6 of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe's largest power grid, occupied since March 2022.

The team inspected the main components of the reactor, confirming that it being in the shutdown mode.

The IAEA delegation also visited the power unit's engine room, security system premises, and emergency diesel generators.

Russian authorities have not allowed the nuclear experts to enter the reactor halls today.

During the 2022 occupation, Russian forces not disrupted the plant's operation, and used the storage facilities to store equipment and deploy manpower.

The IAEA has confirmed Russian mines at the Zaporizhzhia plant, previously installed by the enemy forces fearing Ukraine's summer counteroffensive.

The IAEA General Conference approved a resolution on the immediate return of the nuclear power plant to full control of Ukraine.

Since its seizure, the ZNPP has repeatedly lost its external power source, with seven complete blackouts and one partial.

The acting chairman of the board of Energoatom, Petro Kotin, said that Russia had caused damage to the seized Zaporizhzhia NPP worth "millions of dollars.