IAEA extremely concerned

Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant: nuclear accident “dangerously close”

(Bild: AFP)

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine is "dangerously close" to a nuclear accident as a result of recent attacks. "These reckless attacks must stop immediately," said IAEA chief Rafael Grossi at a meeting of the UN Security Council.

Since April 7, the plant had been attacked several times by drones, with Ukraine and Russia blaming each other. These are the first direct attacks on the nuclear power plant since November 2022.

"Danger of a major nuclear accident very real"
Two years of war have put a heavy strain on nuclear safety at the nuclear power plant, Grossi added. "We are getting dangerously close to a nuclear accident." Although all six reactors at the power plant are shut down, "the potential dangers of a major nuclear accident remain very real", added the IAEA chief.

The attacks significantly increase the risk at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, where nuclear safety is already at risk.

IAEA-Chef Rafael Grossi

The attacks "significantly increased the risk at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, where nuclear safety is already at risk," Grossi continued. The IAEA is deploying observers at the plant.

Nuclear power plant occupied by Russian army
The Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant has been occupied by the Russian army since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago. Recurring incidents around the plant have heightened concerns about a serious nuclear accident.