IAEA responds to military activity near Kursk Nuclear Power Plant
Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA (photo: Getty Images)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is urging all parties to exercise restraint in light of reports of fighting in the Russian Kursk region, where the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant is located, according to the Agency's website.
The IAEA is monitoring the situation related to military activity reportedly occurring near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).
In this context, Grossi emphasized the seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during armed conflicts.
"Additionally, I emphasize the five concrete principles to help to ensure nuclear safety and security which have been established for the Zaporizhzhia NPP in the context of the current conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, and which are equally applicable in this situation," he said.
Grossi clarified that these principles include the necessity of maintaining the physical integrity of NPPs regardless of their location.
"At this juncture, I would like to appeal to all sides to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a nuclear accident with the potential for serious radiological consequences," the IAEA Director General stated.
He added that he is in personal contact with the relevant authorities of both countries and is closely following the situation.
The IAEA also reminded that the Kursk NPP in the Russian city of Kursk operates six reactors of two types: RBMK-1000 and VVER-510. The plant has two RBMK-1000 reactors shut down and two operational, with two VVER-510 reactors under construction.
Fighting in the Kursk region and the situation at the nuclear power plant
Since the morning of August 6, Russian media and local authorities have reported a breakthrough by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, where fighting is ongoing.
Additionally, unofficial reports suggest that Russian forces have already lost control over several settlements, with some press sources indicating that several hundred square kilometers are allegedly under Ukrainian fire control.
Last evening, it was reported that Kursk, where the Kursk NPP is located, experienced a temporary power outage due to what is claimed to be a drone attack.
Russian propaganda is spreading rumors that Ukrainian forces allegedly intend to capture the Kursk NPP in Kursk, supposedly as part of a future exchange for the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is under Russian occupation.
For a detailed analysis of the situation in the Kursk region, the importance of the gas vent in Sudzha, and whether clouds are gathering over the local NPP, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
