Nuclear Threat at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Current Situation and Radiation Background
As of the first half of the day on July 5th, the radiation background in Ukraine remains within normal limits, according to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, citing the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center.
Within the 30 km zone surrounding the Zaporizhzhia NPP, Khmelnytskyi NPP, Rivne NPP, South Ukraine NPP, and Chornobyl NPP areas (excluding the Chornobyl exclusion zone), the recorded radiation levels are within the average monthly values.
"This indicates the absence of new emergency situations at Ukraine's nuclear hazardous facilities," the statement said.
In turn, Energoatom, the Ukrainian national nuclear power generating company, reported that as of 08:00 on July 5th, the water level in the cooling pond of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains unchanged. The water level in the TES canal, which supplies the Zaporizhzhia pond if necessary, stands at 11.15 meters.
Yurii Malashko, the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, also discussed the situation at the nuclear power plant and the region's readiness for a possible technological catastrophe during an interview with Kyiv24 TV channel.
"The current situation is stable: the station is powered by the backup line, and the generators are ready. The enemy is unpredictable, but the region is prepared for any developments. Special services have conducted training, checked the necessary equipment, and practiced response plans," said Yurii Malashko.
According to the head of the regional military administration, the key is to follow official announcements.
"The instructions on what to do in case of a radiation danger alert are available on the official website of the regional military administration and social media pages. This applies to both controlled and temporarily occupied territories," emphasized the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration.
It is worth recalling that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky once again warned of possible threats from Russia concerning the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Zelensky stated that Moscow is blackmailing Ukraine by planting explosives at the plant.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also expressed concern about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia NPP following its disconnection from the power supply during the night of July 4th.
It is important to note that President Zelensky referred to Russia as the "sole source of danger" for the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia NPP. Russia has occupied and controlled the territory of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe for the past 16 months, planting explosive devices and shelling the area. It is also worth mentioning that employees of the Zaporizhzhia NPP were held hostage by Russian occupiers.