New shelling and black smoke reported near Zaporizhzhia NPP — IAEA

This was stated by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Ukrinform reports.

“While there were no reports of casualties or equipment damage, the incident once again underlined the constant dangers to nuclear safety and security,” Grossi said.

According to the IAEA, the ZNPP informed the agency’s team that several artillery shells had struck outside the plant’s perimeter, about 400 meters from the station’s diesel fuel storage area, also known as the diesel fuel park.

The incident is believed to have caused fires, which are now under control.

Based on direct observations, the IAEA team reported hearing sporadic shelling for about two hours starting at 13:26 local time, including three explosions near the site at around 14:30.

Small arms fire was also heard. Later, smoke rising from areas outside the plant was observed by the team from the plant’s main administrative building.

The IAEA team has not yet been able to visit the area affected by the shelling, but will attempt an inspection on September 17 if the security situation allows.

“As I told the IAEA’s General Conference yesterday, military action still endangers the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. What was once virtually unimaginable – shelling or other military activity taking place close to major nuclear facilities – has become a regular occurrence during this horrific war. I’ve repeatedly called for maximum military restraint near nuclear power plants, and I do so again today. This must stop before it is too late”, Director General Grossi stated.

As reported by Ukrinform, on September 9, the Ukrainian delegation at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna stressed the need to restore sovereign control over the Zaporizhzhia NPP and ensure its safe operation by Ukraine’s operator, Energoatom.

Following the IAEA’s statements on critical safety risks at the plant, Russian propaganda has intensified its information operations.