The IAEA reported new problems at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant continues to operate amid new challenges. The IAEA reported that the facility has experienced prolonged internet outages and water supply issues, and that military activity near the plant only exacerbates the risks to its safe operation.
The International Atomic Energy Agency emphasizes that the situation surrounding the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP remains tense. According to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, recent events once again demonstrate the difficult conditions under which the plant’s staff are forced to work. One of the main problems was a two-day internet outage that began at noon on Monday. The IAEA noted that this is the longest communication outage since the agency deployed its permanent mission at the plant nearly four years ago. The cause of the outage could not be immediately determined.
In addition, the Zaporizhzhia NPP continues to experience water supply disruptions following incidents that occurred last week. At the same time, underground wells are currently providing enough water to operate the systems responsible for the plant’s safe operation and physical protection. “Military activity near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and Energodar remains a serious cause for concern. The recent internet outage and water supply issues are further examples of the challenges faced by those operating the plant under already difficult and stressful conditions,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
The agency once again emphasized the need to adhere to the “Seven Indispensable Principles” of nuclear safety during wartime. In particular, nuclear power plant personnel must be able to work free from any pressure and have the autonomy to make decisions regarding the facility’s safety. At the same time, IAEA missions are documenting dangerous situations at other Ukrainian nuclear power plants as well. For example, on the morning of July 30, one of the operating nuclear power plants reported a power line outage. This occurred simultaneously with the appearance of a cruise missile and a drone in the observation zone. The agency did not specify the name of this plant.
The IAEA emphasizes that any disruptions in the operation of critical systems or military operations near nuclear facilities increase safety risks. That is why the agency calls for ensuring all conditions necessary for the stable operation of nuclear power plants, even in wartime. This is stated in its announcement.
In occupied Energodar, Alexander Yakovlev, the so-called chief engineer of the captured Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, was killed when a drone struck a service vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was also killed at the scene. This was stated by Alexei Likhachev, head of the Russian state corporation “Rosatom.”
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Kyiv had no connection to the death of the chief engineer of the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The ministry called Russia’s claims unsubstantiated and urged the public not to treat information from the occupying authorities as reliable.
