Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who are at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, reported the discovery of damage to the external part of the turbine casing. According to the station’s staff, the damage occurred after yesterday’s drone strike.
This is reported by Finway
Details of the incident at the ZNPP
During the inspection of the area, the IAEA team recorded damage to a metal hatch in one of the buildings and also found debris and charred remains of optical cable on the ground. These findings indicate the consequences of the shelling that took place the day before.
The IAEA has requested access to the internal premises of the turbine casing located near the sixth power unit from the occupying so-called “administration”. This is necessary for conducting additional inspections and determining the actual extent of the damage.
Assessment of safety level and IAEA response
During the inspection of the facility, IAEA experts were ordered to take cover due to the sound of drones and gunfire nearby. Despite this, the team used special equipment to monitor the radiation background and confirmed that radiation levels remain within normal limits.
“Yesterday’s strike was a serious incident that jeopardized key principles of nuclear safety. Attacks on nuclear facilities are unacceptable and must cease to prevent a very real risk of a nuclear accident, which would benefit no one,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Earlier, representatives of the Ukrainian Defense Forces refuted Russia’s claims of an alleged Ukrainian strike on the Zaporizhzhia NPP. Ukraine’s official position is committed to the principles of nuclear safety and preventing provocations around strategic facilities.