IAEA sends experts to Ukrainian NPPs and Zaporizhzhya NPP again

For the third time since the start of the special military operation (SMO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is checking the situation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant (ZNPP), as well as in Ukraine at the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne, South Ukraine and Chernobyl nuclear power plants. This is stated in an official statement on the IAEA website on December 18.

It is noted that the substations have been identified "as critical to maintaining nuclear safety".

"They will visit seven electrical substations on which the country's nuclear power plants (NPPs) depend for the safe generation of electricity," the statement said.

In addition, the visit of the organization's observers to the ZNPP's 750 kV open switchyard on Wednesday had to be canceled for safety reasons.

Earlier, on December 10, it was reported that at ZNPP another rotation of observers of the IAEA mission was held, which was provided by Russian servicemen. It is noted that sappers checked the area for unexploded foreign and Ukrainian munitions, ensuring the safe passage of observers to the plant.

Later in the day, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi made a statement that the agency's official car on the road to ZNPP was attacked by a drone. There were no casualties. He also condemned the incident and called for respect.

At the same time, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that it strongly condemns Kiev's attack on experts of the IAEA secretariat during their visit to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. The ministry also pointed to the Ukrainian authorities' complete disregard for humanitarian law and any agreements reached, as well as Kiev's disrespect for the staff of international organizations.

Zaporizhzhya region, where the nuclear power plant is located, became part of the Russian Federation following a referendum in September 2022. Since then, Zaporizhzhya NPP has been under constant IAEA control.