The International Atomic Energy Agency has called for fighting to be halted around Europe's biggest nuclear power stations, saying its experts have found extensive damage at the plant on the front in the Ukraine war.
Міжнародне аґентство з атомної енергії МАГАТЕ заявило, що існує «негайна необхідність у вжитті тимчасових заходів», щоб уникнути ядерної аварії на Запорізькій атомній електростанції. У звіті, опублікованому 6 вересня після місії на АЕС МАГАТЕ заявило, що поточна ситуація на захопленому російськими військовими об’єкті є «неприйнятною і небезпечною».
The mission confirms "the presence of Russian military personnel, vehicles, and equipment at various places at the ZNPP, including several military trucks on the ground floor of the Unit 1 and Unit 2 turbine halls," reads the report.
The IAEA also reports about the presence of Rosatom, which "daily reports from plant management about "confidential issues" on the functioning of the NPP."
"The IAEA considers that the presence of Rosatom senior technical staff could lead to interference with the normal lines of operational command or authority and create potential frictions when it comes to decision-making," published the IAEA in their report.
The mission also emphasizes that Rosatom is "subject to constant high stress and pressure while operating the NPP," the Ukrainian personnel.
In its recommendations, the IAEA recommends that "shelling on site and in its vicinity should be stopped immediately to avoid any further damages to the plant and associated facilities," which requires "the consent by all relevant parties." At the same time, it is not indicated who is carrying out the shelling.
The agency demands "the removal of vehicles from areas that could interfere with the operation of safety and security systems and equipment."
A separate recommendation concerns the "immediate creation of a nuclear protection zone" around the Zaporizhzhia NPP, where the IAEA is ready to assist.
"The situation in Ukraine is unprecedented. It is the first time a military conflict is happening amidst the facilities of a large, established nuclear power programme," emphasized the report.
On the morning of 1 September, the IAEA mission set off from the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia and headed for the nuclear power plant in the Russian-controlled city of Enerhodar, despite reports of intense shelling in the area. After that, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said that the Association’s team will maintain presence at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
