IAEA head Rafael Mariano Grossi at the UN Security Council. Head of the IAEA: the danger of a nuclear accident at Zaporizhia NPP is quite real Peace and Security
Over the past ten days, the first of the five safety principles at the Zaporozhye NPP has been repeatedly violated, which marks a significant increase in the threat to nuclear safety. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, stated this at a briefing at the Security Council on Monday.
He emphasized that he was concerned not only about the recent drone attacks on the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, but also about the context in which they occurred: “In the months leading up to these direct attacks, there had already been an increase in the number of cases of drone incursions in the vicinity of the site and in the surrounding area. Energodar city.”
“These reckless attacks must stop immediately. Although, fortunately, this time they did not lead to a radiological incident, they significantly increase the risks at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, where nuclear safety is already under threat,” Grossi said.
He recalled that he presented the principles of ensuring security at the Zaporizhia NPP in May last year and all members of the Security Council, as well as representatives of Ukraine, supported them.
Five Principles
First , an attack targeting Zaporozhye NPP reactors, spent fuel storage facilities and other critical infrastructure cannot be allowed.
Secondly, Zaporozhye NPP should not be used as a military base or heavy weapons storage facilities. There should be no military personnel on it that could be used for attack from the station.
Thirdly, damage to the external power supply of the Zaporozhye NPP cannot be allowed.
Fourth, all systems and components necessary for the safe and reliable operation of the Zaporozhye NPP must be protected from attacks or acts of sabotage.
Fifth, neither party should take any action that undermines the above principles.
A nuclear accident is quite real
Two years of war have seriously affected the nuclear safety of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, Grossi emphasized.
“Despite the fact that six reactors of the power plant are now in cold shutdown, and the last power unit was transferred to this status two days ago on the recommendation of the IAEA, the potential danger of a major nuclear accident remains very real,” he said.
According to Grossi, the world is very close to a nuclear disaster and the international community cannot allow chance to “decide what happens tomorrow.”
Minimize risks
“Today we must do everything in our power to minimize the risk of an accident,” Grossi said.
“The five principles established in this hall a year ago must be respected. They are designed to prevent a major nuclear accident with potentially significant radiological consequences,” he added. >