Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant Ukraine: IAEA on Murder in Energodar Peace and Security
Russia and Ukraine have informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that a person was killed last Friday in the city where most of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) personnel live. This was reported today by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Car Bomb Explosion
A man named Korotkiy was killed in a car bomb explosion on Friday morning in Energodar, a few kilometers from the Zaporizhzhya NPP. In a letter to the IAEA, Russia confirmed that he was “one of the key personnel responsible for ensuring nuclear safety” at the plant. Ukraine told the IAEA that Korotkiy was not an employee of the Zaporizhzhya NPP at the time of the murder.
Statement by Ukraine
According to the IAEA, immediately after the incident, Ukrainian military intelligence issued a statement indicating that the reason for the persecution of Korotkiy was his alleged actions after Russia took control of the Zaporizhzhya NPP in March 2022. In addition, the country’s military intelligence released an image of the destroyed vehicle and suggested that others could also face “retaliation.”
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During subsequent communication with the IAEA, Ukraine stated that it “does not attack civilians.” Ukraine has neither confirmed nor denied any responsibility for the attack.
Russia’s Statement
In a letter to the IAEA, the Russian Federation said Korotkiy was the “head of the permitting bureau” at the Zaporizhzhya NPP and called the attack a “horrible crime” committed by Ukraine.
Nuclear Safety
Director General Grossi reiterated that while the IAEA does not have forensic capabilities or the competent authorities to investigate the incident, ensuring nuclear safety remains of paramount importance to prevent a nuclear accident during a conflict.
Any announcement of further retaliatory measures that could affect Zaporizhzhya NPP personnel would be unacceptable and would be contrary to the IAEA safety framework
To achieve this important goal, the IAEA established seven pillars of nuclear safety in March 2022, which are supported by all Member States of the organization.
According to this document, “operating personnel must be able to carry out their duties and have the opportunity to make decisions without undue pressure.” “Any attack on nuclear power plant workers would constitute a flagrant violation of this principle, which is fundamental to overall nuclear safety,” said Director General Grossi. “Furthermore, any announcement of further retaliatory measures that could affect Zaporizhzhya NPP personnel would be unacceptable and would be contrary to the IAEA safety framework.” According to him, such threats deprive employees who are not responsible for the current political and military situation of the opportunity to work under normal conditions.
Director General Grossi once again called for maximum restraint during the conflict and stated that any actions directed against ZNPP personnel with the aim of resolving issues related to its status have a direct impact on nuclear safety and must be stopped.