UN Nuclear Watchdog Head Visits Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Amid Escalation in Ukrainian Conflict

Security Measures for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Under Negotiation

Negotiations are underway between Russia and Ukraine to establish security measures for Europe’s largest atomic power generator, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), recently returned to the plant to continue negotiations amid a surge in fighting around it.

The negotiations aim to prevent a possible catastrophic accident at the plant, and are not related to a broader ceasefire. All six reactors of the Zaporizhzhia plant have been shut down, with two in “hot shutdown” state, which is difficult to maintain. Interruptions to the outside electricity supply due to fighting have already required plant personnel to switch to emergency diesel generators six times during the 13-month war.

The IAEA has been rotating inspection teams at the plant for months. The initial focus was on establishing a protection zone around the plant, but negotiations now mainly focus on realistic measures to protect it. The director general expressed optimism that a mutually acceptable plan is close to being agreed upon, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is less optimistic about reaching a deal.

Russia has taken over control of the plant after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Ukraine opposes any proposal that would legitimize Russian control. Nevertheless, both sides are expected to reach an agreement that will require Ukrainian and Russian forces not to fire in or out of the area surrounding the plant.

IAEA Chief Warns of Possible Catastrophe at Zaporizhzhia Plant

During his visit, Rafael Mariano Grossi repeated his warning of a possible catastrophe due to a direct hit or breakdown in safety systems at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Grossi was shown around the plant by Russian occupying forces and officials to take necessary precautions to avoid the plant from being attacked.

The facility has suffered repeated losses of external power needed to cool its reactors. The 3,000 remaining Ukrainian workers at the plant, a quarter of the normal staff, are facing constant stress and exhaustion. The IAEA’s main goal is to gain agreement on principles and commitments not to attack the plant.

Fighting Around Zaporizhzhia Plant Hampers Negotiations

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is located on the south bank of the Dnieper river, forming a frontline at a time when Russian forces have attempted offensives and Ukraine is expected to launch a counteroffensive soon. The Kremlin’s forces took over control of the plant after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Negotiations for security measures have stalled because of Russia’s refusal to withdraw its armed forces from the area surrounding the plant, a Ukrainian precondition for agreement. Despite this setback, both sides are expected to reach a deal that will establish measures to protect the plant from any potential catastrophic accident.

Criticism Over IOC Recommendation for Russian and Belarusian Athletes

Ukraine’s authorities have criticized the International Olympic Committee for recommending Russian and Belarusian athletes take part in international competitions as neutrals amid a war in Ukraine. The move comes after Ukraine attacked a railway depot and knocked out power in the Russian-occupied city of Melitopol.

Spain Sends Tanks to Help Ukraine Fend Off Russia’s Invasion

Spain will send six German-made 2A4 Leopard tanks to Ukraine after Easter to support Kyiv’s efforts to fend off Russia’s invasion. Russian forces attempting to encircle the town of Avdiivka have made only marginal gains despite heavy losses. In-depth stories on Ukrainian drone fleet and facial recognition technology, Putin-Xi talks, and Wagner’s convicts’ loyalty to their leader are also making headlines.

In conclusion, the negotiations to establish security measures for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine have become more crucial than ever amid the escalation of fighting around it. The IAEA director general is leading the efforts to reach a deal that will prevent a possible catastrophic accident, but negotiations have been hampered by the refusal of Russian occupying forces to withdraw from the plant’s surrounding area. With Spain sending tanks to support Ukraine’s efforts and criticisms over IOC recommendations, all eyes are on developments in Ukraine as the conflict continues.

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