The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Sunday reported «powerful explosions in the area of the Zaporiyia nuclear power plant» on Saturday afternoon and again this Sunday. Russia has reported up to 14 Ukrainian heavy artillery hits on Sunday alone, one of which landed on the roof of the plant’s Special Building Number 2.
These attacks «bring an abrupt end to a period of relative calm at this facility and once again highlight the need to implement measures to prevent a nuclear accident,» said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, quoted in the agency’s statement.
The IAEA has thus noted «bombings near and on the site of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant». It specifically mentions «more than a dozen explosions» which could be heard and in some cases seen by the IAEA experts present on site.
IAEA inspectors have been informed by the plant management that there has been damage to some buildings, systems and equipment, «but none of it is safety critical».
Grossi has warned that this news is «extremely worrying.» «Explosions have occurred at the site of this huge nuclear power plant and it is completely unacceptable. Whoever is responsible must cease immediately. As I have said many times before, you are playing with fire!» he has warned.
Thus, Grosi has advocated the establishment of a safety zone around the nuclear power plant. In recent months, this possibility has been negotiated, so far without success. «I will not give up until it becomes a reality. These latest bombings show that it is more necessary than ever,» he reiterated.
IMPACT OF 14 PROJECTILES «On the morning of November 20, Ukrainian troops have twice fired on the territory of the nuclear power plant,» explained Russian Defense Ministry spokesman General Igor Konashenkov, quoted by the Russian news agency Interfax.
«From 9.15 to 9.45 twelve large-caliber artillery shells have been fired. Eight of them have exploded between the fifth power unit and Special Building Number 2, three hit between the fourth and fifth power units and one hit the roof of Special Building Number 2,» he added.
Konashenkov explained that «between 10:00 and 10:10, two shells were fired on the power line that feeds the power plant».
The spokesman stressed that the radiation level in the area of the nuclear power plant remains normal. In addition, the Russian spokesman recalled that on Saturday the Ukrainian artillery fired eleven large-caliber shells at the territory of the nuclear power plant.
