MOSCOW, November 13. /TASS/. The number of attempts to compromise the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and cause damage to its infrastructure has significantly decreased compared with when the special military operation in Ukraine first started, a senior Russian military official said.
"As far as shelling is concerned, the number of attempts to disrupt the functioning of the plant and damage its infrastructure has significantly decreased in comparison with the beginning of the special military operation. During this quiet period, if I may call it that, security specialists detect and intercept only drones carrying out reconnaissance," Chief of the Russian Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) Protection Troops Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
The military official emphasized that if the NPP's security is breached, it could have negative consequences not only for nearby territories, but also for the whole world. "This could lead to radiation leaks, with bodies of water, soil and the atmosphere being contaminated. Therefore, any actions that aim to destabilize the operation of nuclear power plants should be seen as nuclear terrorism," Kirillov stressed.
In this regard, the military official pointed to the productive interaction with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "Our specialists regularly provide the IAEA with data on the current situation at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, as well as the results of measurements and analyses. It should be noted that our specialists are also involved in arranging and carrying out the organization’s rotation of experts at the ZNPP," Kirillov added.
In recent months, Energodar has been repeatedly attacked by Ukrainian drones. On November 2, despite one such Ukrainian drone attack, Russian servicemen ensured the safe rotation of IAEA observers at the plant. The mission consists of four inspectors whose task is to monitor and assess the state of security at the ZNPP. IAEA experts have been present at the plant since September 1, 2022, following the first visit to the facility by the agency's head Rafael Grossi.