IAEA confirms reports of mines “previously placed” at ZNPP

22.06.2023 18:00

Ukrinform

During the latest visit of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant occupied by Russian forces, no mines were spotted at the facility, however, the Agency is aware that mines were previously installed both around the plant's perimeter and at certain locations inside.

This was announced in a press release posted on the IAEA website.

"The IAEA is aware of reports of mines having been placed near the cooling pond. No mines were observed at the site during the Director General’s visit, including the cooling pond. However, the IAEA is aware of previous placement of mines outside the plant perimeter, which the Agency has previously reported, and also at particular places inside - which security personnel at the plant explained were for defensive purposes," the statement reads.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said that the placement of any explosive devices at the nuclear power plant "is not in line with safety standards." "We are following the issue with great attention," he added.

According to Grossi, the nuclear safety and security situation at the ZNPP is “extremely fragile.”

“The loss of the Kakhovka reservoir was a catastrophe for the region as a whole and has also added to the severe difficulties for this major nuclear power plant. Now more than ever, all sides must fully adhere to the IAEA’s basic principles designed to prevent a nuclear accident. We will intensify our efforts to help ensure nuclear safety and security, while also providing assistance to the affected region in other ways,” Director General Grossi added.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on June 20, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, said the Russians had mined the reactor cooler at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. If it is disabled, this will cause “serious problems,” he added.

On June 22, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address that the Russian Federation is considering the scenario of a terrorist act at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and has prepared everything to this end.