Russia resumes shelling Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine... IAEA reports "12 explosions"

Russia-Ukraine Shelling Responsibility Dispute
IAEA "Nuclear Plant Still Safe... Shelling Must Stop Immediately"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the Russian military resumed shelling the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe located in Ukraine, concerns over radioactive leakage are rising again. While Ukraine and Russia are blaming each other for the airstrikes, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called the shelling a highly dangerous act and urged an immediate halt.

According to the British newspaper The Guardian on the 20th (local time), Energoatom, the Ukrainian energy company operating the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, announced via Telegram that the Russian military resumed shelling the plant that day. Energoatom reported that the Russian military attacked the Zaporizhzhia plant 12 times. Energoatom claimed, "The Russian military targeted reactors 5 and 6, which need to be restarted, aiming to prevent the restoration of power production that Ukraine requires."

On the other hand, Russia claims that the Ukrainian military shelled the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. According to TASS news agency, Renat Karchaa, an advisor to Rosenergoatom, the Russian nuclear plant operator, stated, "They (the Ukrainian military) have been shelling the Zaporizhzhia plant not only yesterday but also today." Karchaa added, "There was damage to the nuclear facility and other infrastructure from 15 shelling incidents. However, there has been no radioactive leakage or casualties," and criticized Ukraine by saying, "Any shelling of the nuclear plant endangers nuclear safety."

The IAEA expressed regret over the renewed clashes around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and warned of the risks. Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, said in a statement, "Strong explosions shook the area around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant last night (the 19th) and this morning," adding, "The IAEA team stationed at the plant reported hearing more than 12 explosions and witnessed some of them from their windows."

Director General Grossi said, "The news we received from our team yesterday and this morning is extremely concerning. Explosions occurred at the main nuclear site, which is absolutely unacceptable," and strongly criticized, "Whoever is behind this must stop immediately. As I have repeatedly said before, you are playing with fire."

The IAEA inspection team, dispatched to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant since last September, reported that although some buildings and system equipment at the plant were damaged by the shelling, there was no significant impact on nuclear safety or security. Russia had refrained from shelling the Zaporizhzhia plant for a while after the IAEA inspection team was deployed, but it is analyzed that the shelling resumed as the frontline situation worsened to cut off Ukraine’s power supply lines.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for the establishment of a demilitarized safety zone around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, but both Ukraine and Russia have refused to accept this.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.