IAEA requests access to plant after Zaporizhia NPP shelling: nuclear disaster possible

KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO — SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2022, 8:53 P.M.

The General Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has warned of a nuclear disaster after the Russian attack on the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, and insists that an IAEA mission be sent to the plant.

Source: Grossi's statement on the IAEA website

Quote: "I’m extremely concerned by the shelling yesterday at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, which underlines the very real risk of a nuclear disaster that could threaten public health and the environment in Ukraine and beyond."

Details: The director of the IAEA said that military actions that endanger the safety of the Zaporizhia NPP are "completely unacceptable and must be avoided at all costs." 

"II strongly and urgently appeal to all parties to exercise the utmost restraint in the vicinity of this important nuclear facility, with its six reactors. And I condemn any violent acts carried out at or near the Zaporizhzya nuclear power plant or against its staff," Grossi said. 

He stressed that Ukrainian personnel working at the occupied plant should be able to perform their duties without threats or pressure, which also undermines the safety of the NPP.

Quote: "In order to help prevent the situation from spiralling even more out of control, the IAEA’s presence to provide technical support for nuclear safety and security is of paramount importance.

...And for the last four months now, I have been ready to lead a mission of IAEA safety, security and safeguards experts to the country’s biggest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia.... That this vital mission has not yet happened is not because of the IAEA. Despite our determined efforts, it has not been possible, so far.

I will not give up. I will continue to push—and push again—for this IAEA mission to finally take place."

Background: As a result of shelling on 5 August, the Russian occupiers seriously damaged the nitrogen-oxygen station and the joint auxiliary building at the Zaporizhia NPP - there are risks of hydrogen leakage and dispersal of radioactive substances.

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