IAEA Chief Confirms Violations Of Zaporizhzhia Nuke Plant's Integrity

Rafael Grossi, the head of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has confirmed that the integrity of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Russian-occupied Enerdohar has been violated several times.

Photo Insert: IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi

Despite obstruction from Moscow, the IAEA mission reached the plant on Sept. 1. Ukraine's state nuclear company Energoatom said it would be difficult for IAEA inspectors to make an impartial assessment due to Russian interference, Ukraine Daily reported.

Energoatom said a reactor in the plant was disconnected due to Russian shelling on Sept. 1 but was eventually reconnected to the Ukrainian power grid. Russia, which has been attacking Ukrainian positions from the territory of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, has been accused of using it as a shield and a tool of blackmail.

Ukraine’s Cabinet Ministry has imposed sanctions on over 700 individuals and legal entities from Russia’s state nuclear monopoly Rosatom on Sept. 2.

The decision came amid ongoing threats by Russia to the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Grossi said in a press briefing in Vienna that two mission representatives will stay at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. He added the two representatives are “very experienced” and will provide the agency with detailed information until the “situation stabilizes.”

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