IAEA: The situation is fragile and dangerous, with Russia and Ukraine pointing out that the other party may attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russia
On July 5th, Ukrainian President Zelensky and Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation issued separate warnings, stating that the other country was preparing to launch an attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has once again become a focus of mutual blame and exploitation between both sides, and has raised concerns in the international community. In response, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Grossy, stated that the current situation at nuclear power plants is "extremely fragile and dangerous.".
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has once again sparked mutual accusations and suspicions between Russia and Ukraine
According to Reuters on July 5th, Zelensky quoted intelligence agencies in a video on his social media platform Telegram that Russia had placed "explosive like" items on the roof of the power plant at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Zelensky stated that Russia "either simulated an attack on a nuclear power plant, or had some other ideas." Once the explosives were detonated, the reactor would not be damaged, but it would create a false impression that the attack was initiated by Ukraine, and the Ukrainian military is ready to take action at any time.
Zelensky also issued a statement on Twitter, stating that he told French President Macron during a phone conversation that Russia is preparing for a "dangerous provocation" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Meanwhile, he and Macron have agreed to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency to maintain maximum control over the situation.
In addition, on the evening of July 4th local time, the Ukrainian Ministry of Health also released a nuclear accident response guide on social media, reminding potential radiation accident areas to prepare for possible evacuation. If receiving evacuation suggestions from the Ukrainian authorities, necessary items such as identification documents, food, water, and emergency medicine should be carried with them.
The Russian side also claims that Ukraine will launch an attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. According to TASS, Renat Kacha, Chief Executive Advisor of the Russian State Nuclear Power Company, stated on July 4th on the Russian State Television Channel 24 program that the Ukrainian armed forces will attempt to use high-precision long-range weapons and "Kamikaze" drones to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on the evening of July 5th. The ammunition used may contain radioactive waste extracted from the South Ukraine nuclear power plant on July 3rd.
Kacha emphasized, "If this crazy behavior is not stopped, a huge disaster will occur."
Recently, both Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused each other of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. According to the US political news website POLITICAL on July 3, Ukrainian intelligence agencies have stated that a Russian military task force and Russian supported nuclear power plant workers are gradually leaving the factory, while those who remain at the plant are instructed to "hold Ukraine accountable in any emergency situation.". Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova stated in a statement that Ukrainian officials have conducted radiation safety exercises in several cities and installed additional radiation measurement equipment, which means that "Kiev is preparing to carry out the 'fake flag' operation.".
At present, neither Russia nor Ukraine has provided evidence to prove the authenticity of their accusations.
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency warns that nuclear power plants are "extremely fragile and dangerous"
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Soon after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Russia announced to control the nuclear power plant. On September 11, 2022, the nuclear power plant was completely shut down. For over a year, both Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused each other of shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and its surrounding areas, disregarding public safety and international security. After the explosion of the Kakhovka Dam on June 6th, safety issues at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant once again became a focus of attention. Representatives and experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency immediately went to inspect the nuclear power plant and began to stay for a long time, with regular expert rotations.
According to TASS on July 4th, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Grosi, stated that representatives of the agency will continue to stay at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Grosi responded to Ukraine's statement regarding the ordered evacuation of nuclear power plant employees, saying, "We're not going anywhere, we're right there." He emphasized that the International Atomic Energy Agency learns about the situation at the nuclear power plant from its local representatives every day.
In addition, Grosi reiterated that the International Atomic Energy Agency considers the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to be "extremely fragile and dangerous". He said, "I have always had a clear position - nuclear power plants must not be attacked, and nuclear power plants must not be used as military bases. The International Atomic Energy Agency knows how to prevent nuclear accidents, and we also hope that all responsible people can take corresponding actions to avoid catastrophic nuclear accidents."
Reuters reported that since Russia took control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Grosi has visited the plant three times to ensure its demilitarization and reduce the risk of nuclear accidents, but no agreement has been reached on this matter.
However, regarding the work done by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mikhail Podolyak, a senior advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky, believes that Grosi has failed to effectively maintain the safety of the nuclear power plant and accuses the Agency of wavering in its approach to the issue. "If we had a firm attitude from the beginning, any disaster in Zaporizhzhia could have been avoided," said Podoliak. "This person's current behavior is like a clown. When a disaster really happens, he will say they have nothing to do with it and have already warned about the possibility of danger."
Russia has not raised too many doubts about the International Atomic Energy Agency. According to today's Russian television on June 24th, Alexei Likhachev, the general manager of the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation, stated during a meeting with Grosi on the 23rd that Russia hopes the International Atomic Energy Agency will take specific measures to prevent attacks on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
According to Ukrainian media reports on July 4th local time, the State Nuclear Corporation of Ukraine announced that the 750 kV main external transmission line of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was cut off at 1:21 am on the same day. Afterwards, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant had to switch to the only available 330 kV backup transmission line.
