Shortly before experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) were due to arrive at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, fighting broke out again in the area. Ukrainians and Russians blamed each other. According to the Ukrainian operator Energoatom, one of the two reactors still in operation at the nuclear power plant has been shut down after Russian shelling. Despite the dangerous situation, the head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, who leads the inspection team, stressed: “We will not stop.”
The Russian side said the situation around Europe’s largest nuclear power plant was difficult, but they still ensured the safety of the inspectors. On the other hand, the representative of the Russian occupying forces, Vladimir Rogov, reported on Telegram that Enerhodar, the site of the nuclear power plant, had been under fire from Ukrainian artillery since the early morning hours. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that an attempted attack by Ukrainian troops on the nuclear power plant had been repulsed. About 60 men got out of boats on the banks of the Kachowka reservoir about two miles from the plant and tried to take the power plant.
Nuclear power plant city without electricity
According to a report from the Russian news agency TASS, Enerhodar is without power. The administrative assistant of the Russian occupying forces, Alexander Volga, said there was no light in the city. But that is no reason to cancel the planned visit of the IAEA experts.
Refugee mayor: ‘Russians shoot on inspector’s route’
“The shelling of grenade launchers has been heard since 5 a.m.,” escaped Ukrainian mayor of Enerhodar, Dmytro Orlov, wrote on Telegram on Thursday. Several civilian objects were hit and people were also killed. The IAEA delegation’s coordinated route is also under fire, regional governor Olexandr Staruch wrote on Twitter.
The nuclear experts, who are expected to arrive in the next hour, must check the condition of the facility with its six reactors, the working conditions of the Ukrainian crew and whether all the nuclear material is still there. Russian soldiers are in the nuclear power plant. The factory and its environs have been shelled repeatedly in recent weeks, with Russians and Ukrainians blaming each other. Internationally, there was great concern about damage to the plant and the release of radioactivity.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
