Ukraine’s Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, was again the target of artillery fire and subsequent heavy explosions this weekend. As Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of responsibility, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which plans to inspect the power plant for damage on Monday, is sharpening its warnings of further attacks. The shelling was “Russian roulette, disturbing and unacceptable”, whoever is behind it “plays with fire”, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said.
“We were lucky that there was no potentially serious nuclear incident. We may not be so lucky next time,” said Grossi, whose inspectors could even see the explosions from their windows.
Tass: No free access for inspectors
During the inspection scheduled for Monday, the damage caused must be determined. According to the Russian news agency TASS, the Russian operator Rosenergoatom has announced that the inspectors will not be given free access. “If they want to inspect a facility that has nothing to do with nuclear safety, they will be denied access.”
The shelling of the nuclear power plant, which supplied a fifth of Ukraine’s energy needs before the war, follows setbacks for Russian forces in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine. Since then, Russia has been targeting its energy infrastructure.
Nearly 400 Russian attacks on Sunday
According to Ukrainian information, Russian forces are increasingly shelling positions in eastern Ukraine with artillery. Nearly 400 attacks were counted on Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his video address. Russia had withdrawn its troops from the southern city of Kherson earlier this month and moved some of them to reinforce positions in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions of the Donbas. Kherson is still without electricity, running water and heating.
“The fiercest fighting is still in the Donetsk region,” Zelensky said. Due to the bad weather, there were fewer attacks. Russian shelling remains “unfortunately extremely high”. Kiev announced on Saturday that about 60 Russian soldiers were killed in a long-range artillery attack in the south. Russia’s defense ministry said up to 50 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed along Donetsk’s southern frontline and 50 others elsewhere.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
