IAEA reports explosions and gunfire near Zaporizhzhia NPP
Illustrative photo: The IAEA reported explosions and machine gunfire near the Zaporizhzhia NPP (Getty Images)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) staff reported hearing loud explosions near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). There were also reports of machine gun fire coming from the area surrounding the plant, the press service of the IAEA reports.
The explosions were heard at approximately 12:45 and 15:45.
According to the IAEA, there were no casualties, and no equipment at the plant was damaged.
IAEA experts noted that the intensity of military activity near the ZNPP increased over the past 24 hours.
"An attack on any nuclear power plant is completely unacceptable. In light of the increased military activity at ZNPP, I once again call for maximum restraint to avert the clear danger to its safety. For strict adherence to the five concrete principles established by the IAEA at the United Nations Security Council to protect the facility and the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety during an armed conflict also defined by the IAEA," Director General of IAEA Rafael Grossi stated.
Occupation of Zaporizhzhia NPP
The Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, has been under the control of Russian forces since March 2022. Ongoing shelling poses a threat to Ukraine's nuclear safety, as well as to the safety of the entire continent and the world. The IAEA continues calling on Russia to demilitarize the plant's surrounding area.
As the reports indicate, Russian forces have stationed military equipment and ammunition at the ZNPP. The Russian military has also conducted "training exercises" on the plant's territory.
