One of the reactors was destroyed by the bombardment… Russia: ‘Ukraine attempts Doha to take over nuclear power plant’
On the 1st (local time), when an inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was scheduled to prevent a nuclear disaster, shelling and provocations continued around the Zaporiza nuclear power plant in Ukraine.
According to AFP, Archyde.com, and TAS news agency, Ukrainian state-owned nuclear power company Energoatom said on the same day that “The emergency protection system of the nuclear power plant has been activated due to the Russian mortar shelling, and one of the two currently operating reactors has been shut down.” said via Telegram.
“The remaining one reactor is operating while connected to the Ukrainian power grid,” he added.
Ukraine also said that Russia was bombarding the route where IAEA inspectors were expected to arrive at the nuclear power plant.
On the other hand, Vladimir Rogov, the Russian-appointed head of the Zaporiza administration, said: “From what we know so far, the Ukrainian artillery shelling triggered emergency protection and shut down one of the reactors.”
It also explained that the auxiliary power lines were damaged by the bombardment.
The Russian Ministry of Defense also said that around 6 a.m. on the same day, 60 Ukrainian soldiers divided into two groups and boarded seven boats across the Dnipro River to capture the Zaporiza nuclear power plant.
It also claimed that these Ukrainian troops landed at an area 3 km from the nuclear power plant, but were eliminated through air strikes.
This is the day the IAEA inspectors are scheduled to start inspecting the Japorija nuclear power plant.
The inspection team arrived in Zaporizha, about 55 km away from the nuclear power plant the day before, and is preparing to carry out its mission.
IAEA Secretary-General Rafael Grossi, who leads the inspection team, told reporters that “military activity was increasing just a few minutes ago this morning.”
He plans to visit the nuclear power plant to meet the employees and check the damage and safety measures.
He repeatedly expressed his will to make the temple mission permanent rather than a one-time task.
“If the inspectors can stay at the nuclear power plant on a regular or continuous basis, the mission can be extended,” Grosi said.
Russia has also expressed its welcome for the IAEA’s inspection mission and permanent establishment.
However, it is difficult to predict whether a permanent inspection will be possible, as the local Russian administration previously said, “We will have to finish the inspection within one day.”
/yunhap news