Russia's invasion of Ukraine : Warns of the situation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant

 

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Josefine Karlsson

 

Published: Today 00.53

 

Updated: Today 06.49

 

NEWS

 

The safety of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant is at risk. 

 

The situation is "completely out of control", according to the UN nuclear chief. 

 

- What is at stake is extremely serious and extremely dangerous, says Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA. 

 

The Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant has been occupied by Russian forces since early March. The power plant is controlled by Russia, but is still operated by Ukrainian personnel. But now the UN nuclear chief is sounding the alarm. Security may be at risk and the situation is worsening day by day, reports the news agency AP. (nyhetsbyrån AP.)

 

- Overall, there is a whole list of things that should never happen at a nuclear power plant, says Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, to AP. 

 

"I appeal to both sides" 

 

Grossi points out the importance of avoiding a nuclear accident and protecting substances and materials that are also in need of inspection. The UN has repeatedly tried to get Russia and Ukraine to immediately allow international experts to travel to Zaporizhzhia to investigate the power plant. But the answer is no. 

 

- Every principle of nuclear safety has been violated. What is at stake is extremely serious and extremely dangerous, says Rafael Grossi. 

 

 

The nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya, Europe's largest. Photo: WIKIPEDIA 

 

The nuclear power plant has not received the necessary supplies of equipment and spare parts. The supply chain has been broken, which is serious, according to Grossi. 

 

- So we are not sure that the plant will get everything it needs, he says. 

 

The IAEA still hopes to enter the area, and the seriousness of the situation means that it must happen soon. 

 

- The IAEA will, through its presence, deter any acts of violence against this nuclear power plant. So I am appealing now, as an international official and as the head of an international organization, I am appealing to both sides to let this mission be carried out, he says.

 

 

Rafael Grossi, on the left. Photo: Efrem Lukatsky / AP 

 

Shoots rockets from the nuclear power plant 

 

few days ago, the New York Times reported that Russia is using Zaporizhzhya as a fortress and firing rockets from the nuclear power plant. Its vulnerable location means that Ukraine, in turn,finds it difficult to carry out counterattacks(svårt att genomföra motattacker), with the risk of damaging the reactors at the nuclear power plant. 

 

Counterattacks must be made with precision. 

 

On July 22, such a counterattack was carried out, according to the Ukrainian military. 

 

Then a special drone was used to blow up, among other things, an anti-aircraft installation and several soldiers just over 130 meters from one of the nuclear reactors