Miner Found Near Occupied Nuclear Plant in Ukraine, Says IAEA
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported the presence of mines near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine, which is currently occupied by Russian forces. According to a statement by IAEA Director Rafael Grossi, there are “some mines in the buffer zone between the inner and outer fences of the facility.”
Personnel from the agency discovered the mines during an inspection on Sunday. The mines are located in an area inaccessible to the plant’s staff, and no mines have been observed within the inner fence, according to the IAEA.
Grossi stated that the plant’s management has been informed of the findings, and they have been told that it is a military decision in an area controlled by the military. He emphasized that having explosives in the area is incompatible with the IAEA’s security requirements and puts additional mental pressure on the plant’s staff. However, the IAEA initially believes that the mines do not affect the safety of the nuclear facility.
Ukraine has accused Russia of placing explosives near the plant, while Moscow authorities have accused Ukraine of planning missile and drone attacks on the power plant.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the largest in Europe, has been under Russian control since the beginning of March last year, shortly after the Russian invasion. All six reactors have been out of operation since September.
Published: 26.07.23 at 04:16
How is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) addressing the issue of mines near the occupied nuclear plant in Ukraine
Mines Discovered Near Occupied Nuclear Plant in Ukraine, IAEA Reports
In a concerning development, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has revealed the presence of mines near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine, which is currently under occupation by Russian forces. According to IAEA Director Rafael Grossi, these mines were discovered in the buffer zone between the inner and outer fences of the facility.
This shocking discovery was made by IAEA personnel during an inspection on Sunday. Thankfully, the mines are located in an area that is inaccessible to the plant’s staff, and no mines have been found within the inner fence, as confirmed by the IAEA.
Grossi has immediately notified the plant’s management about the findings, but unfortunately, they have been informed that it is deemed a military decision in an area controlled by the military. He emphasized that this situation is completely incompatible with the IAEA’s security requirements and puts an enormous mental burden on the plant’s staff. However, at this time, the IAEA believes that the mines do not pose a direct threat to the safety of the nuclear facility.
Unsurprisingly, Ukraine has accused Russia of deliberately placing these explosives near the plant. In response, Moscow authorities have countered with allegations of Ukraine planning missile and drone attacks on the power plant.
It is critical to note that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is the largest in Europe. However, since the Russian invasion last year, all six reactors have been inactive since September, with the facility now under Russian control.
This alarming revelation underscores the tense situation in the region and the potential risks associated with the occupation of a nuclear plant. The IAEA is closely monitoring the situation and working towards the safe resolution of this troubling issue.
This discovery raises serious concerns about the safety and security of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant. Immediate action must be taken to ensure the protection of the plant, minimizing any potential risks for both Ukraine and the surrounding region.