MELITOPOL, November 1. /TASS/. The repair work to address a minor water leak in a reactor at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been completed, ZNPP Director Yury Chernichuk told TASS, dismissing any speculation about radioactive leakage.

On October 31, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported a small water leak in a ZNPP reactor, noting that repairs were underway and that there was no immediate concern for nuclear safety.

"Nothing extraordinary has occurred; this is equipment, and it can sometimes malfunction," Chernichuk stated. "Regarding the minor leak detected in the pipeline, our staff knows how to handle it. All necessary measures to fix the leak have been implemented," he added, stating that the equipment would be returned to operation upon the completion of monitoring procedures.

"We reiterate that no violations of safe operating conditions have been reported, nor has any radioactive substance leaked beyond the limits set by the project," he concluded.

According to the ZNPP, background radiation levels at the nuclear facility and in surrounding areas are normal.

In a statement, the IAEA noted that regular equipment maintenance, which is crucial for ensuring sustainable nuclear safety and security, presents challenges for the plant.

The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, located in Energodar, consists of six power units with a total capacity of 6 GW, making it Europe’s largest nuclear power generating facility. At the end of February 2022, the facility was seized by Russian forces. Since then, Ukrainian military units have periodically shelled both residential areas in Energodar and the plant itself using drones, heavy artillery, and multiple rocket launchers. Since September 2022, all six units of the plant have been in cold shutdown.