Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi confirmed today, Tuesday, that the situation at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, which is controlled by Russian troops in southern Ukraine, is very serious.
He also stated that the largest station in Europe should not be used as an armory.
Grossi asked Ukraine and Russia to abide by the five basic principles for protecting the Zaporozhye NPP in Ukraine, noting that he had not yet received their consent to protect the facility.
Among the principles was not to use the power plant as a base for heavy weapons such as multiple rocket launchers, artillery systems, ammunition, tanks, or military personnel that could be used to attack from a factory.
Grossi has repeatedly warned of the danger of military action close to
Earlier this month, he said the situation around the Russian-controlled Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine had become “highly unpredictable and potentially dangerous” and called for action to be taken to ensure the plant’s safe operation.
He added at the time, “I am deeply concerned about the nuclear safety and security hazards that the station faces. We must act now to prevent a serious nuclear accident with consequences for the population and the environment.”
It is noteworthy that this sprawling complex, which Russia took control of in the first months of the war in February 2022, is an important source of electricity for Ukraine, since the plant, which is located on the southern bank of a huge reservoir on the river. The Dnieper River provides more than 20% of the country’s electricity needs.