International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts based in Ukraine reported about military activity overnight that once again underlined potential nuclear safety and security dangers during the armed conflict, and not just at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.
In western Ukraine, an IAEA team monitoring the situation at the Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) reported hearing several explosions in close proximity, over a 20-minute period late last night while in their quarters.
Even though the plant was not directly affected, the incident showed that all of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants remain at risk as long as the war continues, Director General Grossi said.
“Much of the world’s attention – and rightly so – is focused on the very real dangers facing the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, which is of special concern as it is located on the frontline. But last night’s event serves as a reminder that we must not forget about the other nuclear sites in Ukraine, which are also potentially exposed to missile and other attacks,” Director General Grossi said.
“All of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities remain vulnerable, either directly if hit by a missile or indirectly if their off-site power supplies are disrupted. There continues to be a highly precarious nuclear safety and security situation across Ukraine,” he said.
At the ZNPP today, the team also reported an air raid warning at the site that lasted for about ten minutes in the afternoon. There was no impact heard by the team during the air raid warning, and there was no damage to the site. Over the last 24 hours, the IAEA team has continued to hear the sound of explosions some distance from the plant.
At the other Ukrainian nuclear facilities where the IAEA has permanent teams – the Rivne NPP, South Ukraine NPP and Chornobyl site – the IAEA teams did not report hearing any military activities.