IAEA Chief Reports “Physical Breach” at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s boss, Rafael Grossi, has voiced a growing worry about repeated violations of the safety barriers around Russia‑occupied Zaporizhzhia’s nuclear powerhouse. In a live‑talk after a tense visit to the site, he described seeing “gunfire coming uncomfortably close” while touring the plant.
What Happened?
- Russian forces seized the plant shortly after launching their invasion in late February.
- The plant remains in operation under Ukrainian staff, but its frontlines have been under intermittent shelling.
- One of the reactors was forced to shut down on Thursday because of the bombardment.
IAEA’s Statement
When returning to Ukrainian‑held territory on Thursday, Grossi told reporters, “It’s obvious that the plant’s physical integrity has been violated, several times… that’s something that cannot keep going.” The IAEA inspectors plan to stay on site until the situation stabilises, offering an impartial technical inspection.
Key Observations
- Grossi toured emergency systems and control rooms, highlighting areas of concern.
- The agency’s crew had to wait several hours for shelling pauses before moving forward.
- Fireworks, heavy machine‑gun fire, and artillery mortars were reported “two or three times,” raising serious alarm.
Political Back‑and‑Forth
Kyiv keeps accusing Moscow of using the plant as a military shield, a claim Moscow denies. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged the withdrawal of all troops from the plant, stressing the need for demilitarisation. This call has strong backing from Western allies and the UN.
On the Russian side, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is “doing everything to ensure that the plant can operate safely” and to allow inspectors to finish their jobs.
Local Impact
Several towns around the plant, including the Zaporizhzhia regional council mayor’s office, reported shelling on Thursday. The facility sits on the south bank of a massive reservoir on the Dnipro River, dividing Russian and Ukrainian forces.
Why It Matters
- Before the war, the plant supplied more than one‑fifth of Ukraine’s electricity.
- Any loss of integrity could precipitate a nuclear crisis with global repercussions.
All eyes remain on Zaporizhzhia as the IAEA continues its assessment, ready to make a hard‑won peace of mind for a nation staring at a nuclear danger.
Counter-offensive
Ukraine’s Southern Offensive: A Sudden Surge on the Dnipro
*Ukraine’s forces have launched a fresh push down the Dnipro River, targeting the strategic Kherson province. This bold move comes after months of stalled progress and signals an escalation in the southern theater of the conflict.
