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Military operation in Ukraine

IAEA experts recorded blasts at Zaporozhye NPP every day in past week, says IAEA chief

The reports of experts indicate possible combat action not far away from the ZNPP, Rafael Grossi said

A view of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Alexei Konovalov/TASS

A view of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

© Alexei Konovalov/TASS

VIENNA, February 24. /TASS/. Experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recorded explosions very close to the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) every day over the past week, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said.

"I remain deeply concerned about the nuclear safety and security situation at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, located on the frontline <…>. The reports of our experts indicate possible combat action not far away from the site. Once again, I call on all parties to strictly observe the five concrete principles for the protection of the plant and avoid any attack or military activity that could threaten nuclear safety and security there," Grossi said, as quoted by the IAEA press service.

The IAEA chief pointed out that "IAEA experts stationed at the ZNPP reported hearing explosions every day over the past week," and they were very close to the facility. He urged to restore connection to the 330 kilovolt (kV) back-up power line "as soon as possible."

The 330 kilovolt (kV) power line was disconnected on Tuesday due to a problem on the Ukrainian side. According to the IAEA, its relaunch is not expected earlier than March 1.

In late February, the IAEA chief paid his fourth visit to the Zaporozhye NPP. Grossi is also planning to travel to Moscow at the end of the month. Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev stressed that he was looking forward to meeting the IAEA chief soon.

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