IAEA not checking explosives on roof of nuclear power plant – DW – 07/21/2023

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)IAEA) was condemned on Thursday (07.20.2023) for not being able to inspect the roof deck. Zaporizhia Nuclear Power PlantWhere UkraineHe suspects that Russian forces occupied the plant and planted mines or explosives.

Members of the IAEA maintenance mission in Zaporizhia for months “are still waiting for access to the roofs of the reactor buildings,” Raphael Grossi, the UN nuclear agency he heads, was quoted as saying in the report.

In “further inspections and tours of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant,” the largest in Europe and controlled by Russian troops, international experts have so far found “no heavy military equipment, explosives or mines,” the memo notes.

In early July, Ukraine accused Moscow of preparing a “provocation” by placing “materials resembling explosive devices” on the roofs of reactors 3 and 4.

Across the allegations

The Kremlin warned of “subversive action” by Ukraine that could have “catastrophic consequences”.

Faced with these circumstantial allegations, the IAEA requested access to the roofs of the reactors in question and “verify the facts on the ground” in an “independent and objective” manner.

Grossi later said “progress” had been made and his team was able to visit the fuel cooling ponds. But they are still not allowed access to the rooftops, almost two weeks after they sought permission.

Inspections to date have found no “traces of mines or explosives,” the IAEA explained, indicating a “volatile” environment in terms of security in the region, which is “located on the front lines of the conflict.”

In the hands of the Russian military since March 4, 2022, Europe’s largest Zaporizhia power plant has been the target of gunfire and blackouts on several occasions, a volatile situation that raises fears of a major nuclear accident.

jc (afp, efe)