Integrity of Ukraine’s Russia-held nuclear plant ‘violated’, IAEA chief says
- An International Atomic Energy Agency team braved intense shelling to reach the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
- IAEA visit came as Ukrainian troops pressed ahead with a counteroffensive in the nearby region of Kherson
The head of the UN nuclear agency said the “physical integrity” of a Russian-held Ukrainian nuclear plant had been “violated” following frequent shelling, on his team’s first visit to the facility.
Russian forces seized control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southern Ukraine, Europe’s largest, and the surrounding region shortly after the February 24 invasion.
Both sides have traded blame for recent shelling near the plant lying on the frontline, sparking fears of a nuclear disaster.
A 14-strong team of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency arrived at the facility on Thursday to conduct “security and safeguards activities” after a risky journey across the frontline and early-morning shelling of the area.
“It is obvious that the plant and physical integrity of the plant has been violated several times,” IAEA head Rafael Grossi told reporters after returning to Ukrainian-controlled territory.
Grossi said part of the IAEA mission would stay at Zaporizhzhia “until Sunday or Monday” to continue the assessment, without specifying their number.