Situation at occupied ZNPP still 'fragile', says IAEA chief
Photo: Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The term of use of nuclear fuel at the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is coming to an end, the situation remains "fragile", reports Radio Liberty.
The General Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Raphael Grossi, and the Minister of Energy of Ukraine, Herman Galushchenko, said this at a briefing.
"All these things tell us that the situation in Zaporizhzhia continues to be fragile and it requires constant care," Grossi said.
He clarified that one of the main problems is the expiration of the nuclear fuel in the reactors, as well as the reduction of the station's personnel.
According to the Director General of the IAEA, he will negotiate with Russia to assess the state of fuel during his trip to Moscow.
In turn, Galushchenko clarified that he discussed the problems at the station during the negotiations with Grossi.
"The question is: the period of operation (fuel - ed.), this period has passed, then the manufacturer must say whether it is possible to operate outside the limits... This is a difficult question. If it is not possible, actions must be taken to unload this fuel, it must be qualified personnel, then the issue of storing this fuel. These are important issues of European security," Galushchenko added.
Occupation of ZNPP
Russian occupiers have controlled the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, which is the largest in Europe, almost since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The enemy has repeatedly staged provocations near the station. In particular, the Russians concentrated their equipment and military there, as well as attacked the ZNPP so that they could blame Ukraine.
Recently, the Center of National Resistance reported that the enemy is threatening employees of the ZNPP and their families.
