News - IAEA warns of potential threat to Ukraine's nuclear safety due to intensified hostilities

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned of a potential threat to nuclear safety due to a spike in fighting near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, Europe's largest nuclear power plant. The IAEA noted that its experts stationed at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant reported hearing numerous explosions over the past week, which could indicate increased military activity in the region as Ukrainian forces continue their counteroffensive. The plant was unharmed. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned: "I remain deeply concerned about the possible dangers facing the plant at this time of heightened military tensions in the region." He said the IAEA team had been informed that personnel at the nuclear power plant had been temporarily reduced to a minimum level due to fears of increased military activity in the area. "Whatever happens in the conflict zone, wherever it happens, everyone will be affected by a nuclear accident, and I urge that all necessary precautions be taken to avoid this," Grossi added. The IAEA has repeatedly expressed concern that the fighting could lead to potential radiation leakage from the site, which is one of the 10 largest nuclear power plants in the world. The plant's six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and skilled personnel to operate critical cooling systems and other safety features.