Ukraine: Security at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant intact despite shelling – according to IAEA boss Grossi

STORY: The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi drew a first conclusion after visiting the Ukrainian nuclear power plant Zaporizhia. Important safety elements such as the power plant’s power supply would work, said Grossi at Vienna Airport after his return from Ukraine. The cooperation between the Russian occupiers and the Ukrainian personnel also works to some extent on a professional level. According to Grossi, his agency will continue its mission in Ukraine: “After that, as you know, six of our experts will remain on site. They will continue the work that we started yesterday. And then, as I already indicated, are We are in the process of establishing our permanent presence on site. This time with two of our experts who will continue the work.” What worries him most at the moment is that the war around the power plant is increasing in intensity, Grossi said. “There’s a red here. It’s a big red. Why is it a big red? Because we’re still seeing military activity around the facility. Myself and my team were able to see bullet holes and markings on the buildings, meaning the physical integrity of the facility was violated not just once, but multiple times.” He expects a detailed analysis of the safety of the power plant by the experts who remain on site in the course of the next week, said Grossi. Zaporizhia is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Located in southern Ukraine, it has been occupied by Russian forces since March. The nuclear power plant is still operated by Ukrainian technicians.