This week, a new team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has crossed the front line to take over the duties of monitoring nuclear safety and security at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
This mission signifies the 13th rotation of experts since the IAEA established a permanent presence at the site last year with the aim of preventing potential nuclear accidents during the ongoing military conflict, as stated by Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
The rotation of IAEA experts coincides with reports of drone attacks in the town of Enerhodar, where many employees of the power plant reside. Despite the ongoing risks, IAEA experts have consistently heard explosions in the vicinity of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in recent weeks and months, underscoring the continuous challenges to nuclear safety and security.
Grossi emphasized the vital role played by IAEA experts in the past fourteen months, as they have monitored nuclear safety and security at the plant and provided essential updates to the international community.
Over the past week, the IAEA experts have conducted inspections at various plant facilities, including those responsible for storing fresh fuel, emergency diesel generators for unit 1, the 750-kilovolt power line’s open switchyard, the central warehouse, and the temporary emergency response center. The experts have also been informed about an upcoming emergency exercise in November, the first since the full-scale invasion began.
Read also: Ukraine receives US-made assault breacher
We have been diligently working to provide you with independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Please consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
