The probability of an accident increases. Fighting intensified near the Zaporizhzhia NPP – Director General of the IAEA
Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, announced the escalation of hostilities near the Russian-captured Zaporizhzhіa nuclear power plant.
He said this in an interview with the Associated Press.
– My team on the ground reports attacks, sounds of heavy weapons every day. This happens almost all the time, – he said.
He noted that he sees an “increased level of danger” due to hostilities.
– I think the most important thing is to avoid an accident, and the probability that it may happen is increasing, – added the general director.
According to Grossi, the station switched to emergency diesel generators six times in 13 months.
– It can happen through shelling, through a drone, through an attack, through an offensive or defensive operation. So it’s not something that can be planned, – he explained.
At the same time, the Director General of the IAEA emphasized that he supports dialogue both with the Ukrainian authorities and with the Russian occupiers, as he wants to “guarantee that a major radiological disaster will not happen in Europe.”
– I think that this [agreement on security] is close… It is obvious that political commitments, a political decision are needed. In this case, they will agree on the protection of the station. They do not agree among themselves. They negotiate with the IAEA. They agree on nuclear safety and security. This is a very important element, which, in my opinion, should be taken into account, – emphasized Grossi.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been under the occupation of Russian troops since the beginning of March 2022. The invaders repeatedly opened fire from rocket salvo systems on the territory of the ZNPP.
