The Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is also the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. It has been under Russian control since February 2022, when the Russian military invaded. The safety of the plant has been questioned due to ongoing fighting and shelling in the surrounding area.
In recent days, UN nuclear agency experts, after crossing the front lines, arrived at the plant, where they were exchanged. These experts are monitoring nuclear safety and security measures from September 2022.
The UN agency said in its statement that the presence of the IAEA support and assistance mission at four other nuclear facilities, including Zaporizhia, is to prevent any radiological incidents during military confrontations.
The IAEA nuclear director said attendance at these facilities would be maintained as necessary to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident, which could have serious consequences for human health and the environment in Ukraine and beyond.
“As the nuclear safety and security situation is extremely challenging, our experts continue to play their part in maintaining a stable situation at all these facilities.”
The risk remains
There have been media reports of battles and drone strikes in areas near the Zaporizhia plant.
According to the UN agency, there have been frequent explosions over the past week, which occurred a short distance from the nuclear plant, but no damage was reported.
High voltage tests of two new backup transformers at the Zaporizhia plant were successful, after which they were put into operation. Repair work on four other backup transformers will also be completed by the end of this year.
The worst humanitarian crisis
Meanwhile, according to UN aid agencies, the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is deepening, particularly in areas near the front lines in the northeast and south. The reason for this is said to be the increase in attacks by the Russian military.
Since February 24, 2022, 1,400 people have lost their lives and thousands more have been injured in violent clashes in Ukraine.
The UN humanitarian office says aid operations are becoming increasingly challenging. Six aid workers were killed in July and August.
According to him, the humanitarian community identified 8.5 million people for assistance, of which 7.2 million have been given relief in the first nine months of this year.
The energy infrastructure in the country has been under constant attack, which may add to the hardships of ordinary citizens during the winter months. Other essential services including water, gas and heating systems are likely to be disrupted.