Russia reportedly cut internet and cellular networks at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which they captured in the invasion of Ukraine last week.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported this disconnection on Sunday (6/3). According to the IAEA, this disconnection is very worrying because it hampers communication with the staff of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant operator.
“Important information from the site cannot be received through ordinary communication channels,” the IAEA said in a statement CNN.
In addition, the Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, also revealed that currently, there is a problem of food shortages and other necessities at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
“I am very concerned about the developments reported today. Just days after I outlined the seven main elements of nuclear security in the IAEA, some of which are now being violated,” Grossi said.
He went on to say, “To be able to operate the nuclear power plant safely, management and staff must be able to carry out their viral duties in stable conditions, without outside pressure and intervention.”
Grossi also admitted that he was worried about the security of various fields at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and its surroundings, especially in the midst of the ongoing Russian onslaught.
“The situation of vital communication that is getting worse between regulators and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is very worrying, especially in the midst of an arms conflict that could put the nuclear facility in danger at any time,” he said.
Grossi concluded his statement by saying, “Good communication between regulators and operators is an important part of overall nuclear security.”
Russia cut off internet connections and communication channels after they seized control of the nuclear power plant located in the city of Enerhodar in a battle last Friday.
The struggle for control has attracted worldwide attention because Russia reportedly continued to attack Zaporizhzhia from all sides until the largest nuclear power plant in Europe caught fire.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that Russia deliberately carried out nuclear terror by attacking and controlling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
With this control struggle, Russia has controlled two of the total four nuclear power plants in Ukraine. Zelensky once again urged world leaders to move quickly to avoid a “nuclear catastrophe.”
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