>>
The Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine in a picture dated May 1, 2022.
Vienna – Another disconnection of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant after the overnight Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine is, according to the head of the International of Rafael Grossi's Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a fundamental threat to nuclear safety. It is not possible to continue playing games and the international community must not allow similar incidents to be repeated, Grossi told the IAEA Board of Governors today.
Advertisement'; }
Photogallery: Russian invasion of Ukraine
“I am amazed at the indifference – what are we doing to prevent this? We are the IAEA, we are there to oversee nuclear safety,” Grossi said. “Every time it's a gamble. And if we allow it to happen again, one day our luck will run out,” he added.
During the Russian shelling last night, the last line feeding the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant was damaged. The facility now receives electricity from diesel generators, Ukrainian company Enerhoatom said. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that the Russians' behavior is bringing the world to the brink of a nuclear disaster.
“Zaporozh Nuclear Power Plant operates thanks to backup diesel sources – and this is the last line of defense. It is the sixth – and let me emphasize this: sixthly – the power plant lost its energy source and must operate in emergency mode. And I want to remind you that this is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe,” said Grossi.
According to the IAEA, the Zaporizhia power plant last came about power supply last November. Currently, the power supply is provided by eight generators, which have fuel for 15 days of operation.
