The Russian occupying forces in Ukraine have started evacuating residents of the Zaporizhia region at the nuclear power plant of the same name. According to a statement from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the city of Enerhodar, where most of the nuclear power plant employees live, is affected by the evacuations. The IAEA is referring to information that is said to be available to its own employees who are currently stationed at the nuclear power plant.
“The general situation in the area of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous. I am very concerned about the very real nuclear safety risks the facility faces,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Action must be taken immediately to avoid a serious nuclear accident. Grossi also expressed concern about the increasingly difficult situation for the nuclear power plant staff and their families.
Ukrainian counter-offensive expected
The Zaporizhia nuclear power plant was occupied by Russian troops in early March 2022 shortly after the invasion of Ukraine. It lies on the southern bank of the lower reaches of the Dnieper, the opposite bank is not occupied by Russia.
At the moment, all six reactors of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant are shut down, and it relies on external power supply, which has been interrupted a few times in the past few months. The operating personnel will not be evacuated, the IAEA said. The nuclear power plant is waiting there in accordance with all safety regulations.
In the near future, Ukraine is expected to attempt a counter-offensive to recapture Russian-held territories. The IAEA writes that military activities in the region at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant have recently been stepped up. The British military intelligence service DI reported at the end of April that it had sighted positions secured with sandbags on the reactor buildings of the nuclear power plant. According to the IAEA experts in the nuclear power plant, they regularly hear shots.
(anw)
