The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expresses deep concern over yesterday’s explosion of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in Ukraine saying that energy increases the risk of a nuclear catastrophe.

“I am extremely concerned about yesterday’s bombing of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, which highlights the very real risk of a nuclear catastrophe that could threaten public health and the environment in Ukraine and (regions) beyond,” the IAEA director said in a statement. General Rafael Grossi.

Grossi calls on all parties to the Ukrainian conflict to show “maximum restraint” in the area of ​​the nuclear power plant.

The projectiles hit a high-voltage power line at the plant, forcing the operator to shut down the nuclear reactor, even though no radioactive leaks were found. The nuclear plant was captured by Russian troops in early March, at the beginning of the war, but continues to operate with Ukrainian technicians.

The Ukrainian nuclear energy company Energoatom blamed Russia for the damage to the plant, and the Russian Defense Ministry blamed Ukrainian forces for the bombing, saying the radioactive leak was only avoided by accident.

Rafael Grossi said that military actions that threaten the safety of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant are “absolutely unacceptable and must be prevented at all costs.”

“Any firepower directed in and out of the station is tantamount to playing with fire, with potentially disastrous consequences.”

Source: APE/MEB