Nuclear plant located in Zaporizhia, Ukraine Controlled and surrounded by Russian forces, it has lost its external power, according to the head of the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency.
In a statement on Wednesday, International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi said all external power needed for vital safety systems was shut down for the second time in five days.
boycott in Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant It is “a very disturbing development,” he said.
This photo taken on September 11, 2022 shows a general view of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant.
(STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)
Nuclear safety and security equipment is kept in operation by standby diesel generators.
Russian missiles rock Zaporizhia as Ukrainian forces advance in ‘annexed’ areas
Russia has maintained a presence in Zaporizhia for several months and has said it is intent on maintaining a foothold in the region – and on the nuclear plant – after a separatist-backed local referendum voted to join Russia.
“The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is now on the territory Russian Federation This should work under the supervision of our relevant agencies,” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said via Russian media outlet (RIA).
Ukrainian officials have said that the seizure of the nuclear plant poses a great danger to the surrounding region and the world.
Last week, Russia formally annexed the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is seen with the continued Russian presence at the nuclear power plant.
(Metin Aktas / Anadolu Agency)
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. It is among the top ten in the world.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.