IAEA inspectors find explosives at Russia-occupied ZNPP
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) observers have found explosives in the main turbine hall of Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), agency representatives told Ukraine’s State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate (SNRI) on May 3, The New Voice of Ukraine reports.
The agency told Ukrainian regulators that Russian troops have placed military equipment, weapons, and explosives in the turbine hall of ZNPP’s fourth reactor. In its report, SNRI notes that in late July 2022, Russian military equipment and ammunition already were spotted at the facility.
According to the message, these reckless actions by Russian forces pose significant hazards to both personnel of the nuclear power plant and residents of nearby settlements.
Zaporizhzhia NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and has been occupied by Russian forces since March 4. Several ZNPP facilities have been damaged by Russian shelling, and the station's employees are captives of the occupying troops.
The Kremlin uses the site as cover for its forces, as Ukraine can’t return fire for the risk of causing a nuclear calamity.
