UN Chief Visits Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Amidst Escalating Conflict

Amidst the escalating conflict in Ukraine, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, visited the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in southern Ukraine this week. Grossi made his second trip to the plant to inspect the damage caused by the conflict and press ahead with diplomatic efforts to protect the power plant from a potential nuclear accident.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Threatened by Escalating Combat

The ZNPP is Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and is threatened by escalating combat. The situation around the plant remains tense and volatile with Russia accused of using the plant as a military base and storage facility for ammunition while firing shelling near it. Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shelling of and around the plant for months. In February 2022, Russia said it was close to completing construction of protective structures around the power station.

IAEA Proposes Specific Protection Measures Acceptable To Both Moscow And Kyiv

The IAEA has a rotating team permanently based at the ZNPP. The agency has been trying for months to secure an agreement for a demilitarized zone around the plant to prevent a catastrophic accident. Grossi believes that an agreement on some measures to protect the power plant is close. He is seeking commitments from both sides not to attack it and proposing realistic measures that will be approved by all parties.

Grossi proposed specific protection measures acceptable to both Moscow and Kyiv instead of a security zone. However, he did not name any specific safety measures that could be proposed. Grossi emphasized the importance of ensuring that there are no attacks and trying to put on the table viable proposals that can be accepted by all.

Assessing Nuclear Safety at Zaporizhzhia Power Station

Grossi’s visit was to assess the serious nuclear safety and security situation at the power plant and reduce the risk of a major nuclear accident. The IAEA has had a team of experts stationed at the plant since September 2022, but the situation is still precarious. The power plant needs a reliable electricity supply to guarantee essential nuclear safety and security functions, but it has suffered recurrent electricity outages during the war, causing alarm in the IAEA and the international community.

Grossi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prior to his visit. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for the withdrawal of Russian troops and personnel from the power plant and adjacent territory to ensure nuclear safety and security. The ZNPP was a prized part of Ukraine’s energy network and accounted for around 20% of national power generation before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. It has not produced any electricity since September when the last of its six reactors was taken offline.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Grossi’s visit to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is significant as it is aimed at protecting this strategically important site from attacks amidst an ongoing conflict. The situation at the power plant remains precarious as Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of shelling it. Grossi’s efforts are aimed at securing commitments from both sides not to attack it and proposing specific protection measures acceptable to both Moscow and Kyiv instead of a demilitarized zone.

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