The head of Russia’s nuclear energy sector has issued a warning about the deteriorating safety conditions at the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.
According to Russian officials, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine came under attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces recently, with additional incidents reported earlier this month. The plant also experienced a drone strike that resulted in the death of a driver in April.
In the broader Zaporizhzhia region, there have been ongoing hostilities involving Vladimir Putin’s forces. A recent Russian assault on an industrial facility in the area resulted in casualties, including one fatality and three critically injured individuals due to a fire ignited by tank and vehicle hits.
Alexey Likhachev, the Director General of Russia’s Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, emphasized the escalating gravity of the situation, warning that the plant is nearing a critical threshold. He urged increased efforts across Europe to defuse tensions surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, highlighting the potential regional risks if its 2,600-tonne nuclear fuel supply is compromised.
Following intense conflicts, the power plant came under Russian control in March 2022, with frequent missile strikes in its vicinity. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported an attack on the plant’s External Radiation Control Laboratory by a drone on May 3, emphasizing the inherent nuclear safety risks associated with such incidents.
No injuries were reported from the attack, but investigations into the extent of damage were initiated. The IAEA stressed the critical nature of safeguarding nuclear facilities from external threats, reiterating the potential dangers posed by attacks near such sites.
Additionally, a previous drone strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in April resulted in the tragic death of an employee at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, as reported by Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom.
Readers can select Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for convenient access to valuable news content.