The alarm was raised by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of the United Nations yesterday Monday (24/7) the nuclear power plant of Zaporizhia, pointing out that its officials saw “some mines”. However, as they clarified, they do not endanger the safety of the facilities themselves.”
“During the (Sunday) 23 July inspection, the IAEA team saw some mines placed in the buffer zone between the inner and outer perimeters” of the factory, the agency said.
These devices were located in a controlled access area to which members of the unit’s staff cannot go, he added, without specifying their exact number.
“None were directed inward,” he added, as reported by the Athens News Agency.
“The IAEA is aware of the placement of mines outside the perimeter of the facility and also at specific points within the facility“, said its general manager, Rafael Grossi, according to a press release made public by his services.
“The detonation of these mines would not affect the security systems and the safety of the installation”
“The presence of such explosives at the facility does not comply with IAEA safety rules and nuclear safety guidelines,” the head of the Vienna-based agency continued. However, the team was told that the mines had been placed in a “military zone” and it was a “military decision”.
However, according to the IAEA’s assessment, “the detonation of these mines would not affect the security systems and the safety of the installation”, noted its director general.
His team also says it continued inspections of the factory’s perimeter without finding any heavy military equipment.
It continues, however, to request access to the reactor roofs and the rooms where the turbines are located.
Kiev earlier this month accused Moscow of preparing “provocations”, with the Ukrainian military saying that “objects that appear to be explosive devices” were placed on the roofs of reactors 3 and 4.
The Kremlin warned for its part that a Ukrainian “attack” is possible that would have “catastrophic consequences”.
After the exchange of accusations, the IAEA called for better access to “verify facts on the ground” in an “independent and objective” manner.
Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, which was seized by Russia’s military on March 4, 2022, has repeatedly come under fire and also suffered repeated blackouts, with the precarious situation raising concerns of a major nuclear accident. All six of its reactors have been shut down since September.
Source: News Beast
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