August 27th 2024.
Today, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, paid a visit to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia. This comes amidst growing concerns of a potential nuclear accident in western Russia, where Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a conflict for the past three weeks. This was sparked by Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that the power plant had come under fire.
During his inspection of the site, Grossi raised red flags about the heightened risk at the facility in the Kursk region. He stated that Ukrainian troops currently control a territory the size of Los Angeles, which includes the area where the power plant is located. Grossi also pointed out that the reactor at the plant, which is of the same model as the infamous Chernobyl nuclear plant, is only protected by a normal roof. This lack of a containment dome and protective structure is not typical of modern power plants and leaves the reactor extremely exposed and vulnerable to attack.
Grossi emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "If there is an impact on the core, the consequences could be extremely serious." He also mentioned that he saw evidence of drone strikes in the area during his visit. While the Kremlin has accused Ukrainian forces of attacking the plant, the army denies these claims. Grossi did not assign blame, but instead stressed the importance of preventing any attack on a nuclear power plant, regardless of its location.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant is still operating under relatively normal conditions. However, the IAEA is also monitoring another plant in Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia plant, which has been occupied by Russian forces since the beginning of their invasion. Grossi plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky next week to discuss the situation at the plant. This is the largest incursion into Russia since World War II, resulting in the occupation of approximately 500 square miles.
As the situation in the region remains tense, Putin has sent reinforcements into the area. However, there are concerns that this may be weakening his position in eastern Ukraine, where Russian soldiers have been slowly advancing in an attempt to gain more ground. According to Russia's defense ministry, the fighting in Kursk has resulted in heavy casualties for the Ukrainian troops, with over 6,600 either killed or injured. Additionally, more than 70 tanks and numerous armored vehicles have been destroyed. In the midst of this terrible war, Grossi stresses the importance of preventing a nuclear accident and will continue to promote nuclear safety and security everywhere.
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