Russia's war in Ukraine
Russian military vehicles escorting a motorcade of the IAEA expert mission arrive at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on March 29. Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters/FILE
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will strengthen its presence at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant next week, the UN nuclear watchdog said Wednesday.
A new, larger team will replace the group currently at the plant in southern Ukraine when director Rafael Grossi visits the facility next week, according to an IAEA statement.
“In view of the IAEA’s intensifying activities under the newly established principles, he [Grossi] will… strengthen the IAEA’s presence at the site, replacing the current team with a larger group travelling with him across the frontline,” the statement said.
Russia captured the nuclear plant in March last year though it is still mainly operated by Ukrainian staff. Throughout the war, the IAEA has warned of a nuclear disaster following repeated shelling near the facility, which is Europe's largest nuclear plant.
“Now more than ever, the IAEA’s reinforced presence at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant is of vital importance to help prevent the danger of a nuclear accident and its potential consequences for the people and the environment at a time of increased military activity in the region," Grossi said.
Dam impact: The plant lies upstream from the Nova Kakhovka dam, which collapsed on Tuesday. The reservoir supplies cooling water to the plant and is crucial for its safety.
Source: CNN
