Kiev, Ukraine – The head of the UN atomic watchdog, Rafael Grossi, has called for “maximum military restraint” following a series of powerful explosions near the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine this week. This comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides accusing each other of jeopardizing the safety of the plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility.
Grossi, who leads the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed concern about the recent explosions near the Zaporizhzhia plant, highlighting the urgent need for restraint to prevent a potential nuclear accident. The plant has been a focal point of conflict since it was seized by Russian forces in March 2022.
Experts stationed at the plant have reported hearing explosions daily over the past week, with one particularly loud blast occurring in close proximity to the site. While authorities described the large blast as part of a “field training” exercise, there was no damage to the plant itself.
Despite the heightened tensions, the origin of the explosions remains unclear, except for the one on Thursday, which was confirmed to be a mine that exploded outside the plant’s perimeter. The ongoing conflict in the region has raised concerns about the safety and security of the nuclear facility.
Grossi emphasized the importance of restoring the plant’s backup power line for off-site power as soon as possible to ensure its continued operation. IAEA officials have been monitoring the situation on the ground since September 2022, with all six reactor units at the Zaporizhzhia plant currently shut down.
The incidents at the Zaporizhzhia plant underscore the broader challenges of maintaining nuclear safety in a conflict zone. While efforts are being made to mitigate risks, the situation remains precarious as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate. Grossi’s call for military restraint reflects the urgent need to prevent any further escalation that could jeopardize the safety of the plant and the surrounding region.