IAEA Director Warns of Risks at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, stated on Saturday that “the situation around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, has become highly unpredictable and could be dangerous.” He called for “actions to ensure the safe operation of the plant.” He expressed “great concern about the risks facing the plant related to nuclear safety and security,” noting that “evacuations are underway in the nearby town of Enerhodar by order of the local governor appointed by Russia,” and emphasized that “we must act now to prevent a serious nuclear accident that could have consequences for the population and the environment.” Russian forces took control of the Zaporizhzhia plant shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. There have been repeated exchanges of fire near the plant, with each side blaming the other.