IAEA Detects Explosion at Europe's Largest Nuclear Power Plant in Zaporizhzhia, Occupied by Russia
IAEA experts have reported hearing the sound of a landmine explosion at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The explosive device detonated near the plant’s cooling pond. There were no injuries or damage reported following the explosion, according to the IAEA’s June 13 report.
"The IAEA team at the Zaporizhzhia NPP reported hearing explosions over several days last week, including near the plant. Observers confirmed that on June 11, a landmine exploded near the cooling pond area of the plant. There were no physical damages or casualties from the explosion, and the IAEA team was not informed of the cause," the report stated.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed serious concern over the latest explosion occurring so close to the plant, exacerbating an already unstable situation.
"The nuclear safety and security of the Zaporizhzhia NPP must not be compromised," said the IAEA chief.
On Monday, IAEA experts also visited a substation in the Russian-occupied city of Enerhodar, located on the left bank of the Dnipro River, near the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The experts aimed to assess the aftermath of a reported shelling incident on June 8, which allegedly caused a fire and damaged the substation serving the Enerhodar City Council building. This building houses the main communication hub between the Zaporizhzhia NPP and Enerhodar.
During meetings with NPP representatives over the past week, the IAEA team also discussed the staffing levels and qualifications of the personnel working at the plant’s main control room. NPP representatives confirmed that since all six reactor units are in a state of cold shutdown, three authorized staff members will be on duty at the main control room per shift, with a minimum requirement of two being present at all times. This is essential for maintaining nuclear safety at the facility.
It is worth noting that at the end of May, The Gaze reported a statement by IAEA chief Rafael Grossi that the restart of the Zaporizhzhia NPP under current conditions is impossible.
Additionally, according to The Gaze, on April 12, Rafael Grossi emphasized the importance of halting attacks on the Zaporizhzhia NPP territory as they pose a threat to the facility's nuclear safety.