The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) President Rafael Grossi has warned that Ukraine’s counteroffensive activity in the Zaporozhye region has intensified in recent days, a shift that could raise the chance of damage to the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). This assessment, reported by TASS, adds to the concern surrounding the facility amid ongoing hostilities in the broader area and underscores a fragile security situation around critical energy infrastructure in the region. [Citation: IAEA]
Grossi stressed that his worries focus on the territory surrounding the plant rather than the plant itself. He noted that increased military activity could elevate the likelihood of attacks or damage to the station and its essential safety systems, potentially affecting cooling, containment, and other protective measures that maintain safe operation. [Citation: IAEA]
Earlier in the day, the IAEA confirmed there had been no radiological release linked to a water leak in one of ZNPP’s steam generators. The agency stated that radiation levels remained within safe limits and that the incident did not pose a radiological threat to nearby communities. This assessment aligns with ongoing monitoring and transparent reporting that aim to reassure the public and regulators in Canada, the United States, and allied partners. [Citation: IAEA]
In another development, the IAEA reported that experts were informed about an unmanned aerial vehicle observed near Energodar the day prior, which was subsequently halted. The agency noted there was no impact on the plant’s security and that the drone did not threaten ZNPP protections or safety operations. This incident highlights the importance of robust surveillance, rapid response capabilities, and clear communication channels between operators and international watchdogs to preserve nuclear safety in crisis scenarios. [Citation: IAEA]
Historically, physicists have calculated safe shelter locations to protect people during a nuclear explosion, a reminder that core safety principles still guide current risk assessments. The IAEA continues to monitor conditions in the region and to coordinate with local authorities and operators to safeguard nuclear safety and security at ZNPP. The ongoing collaboration aims to maintain a high standard of safety culture, verify reactor protection systems, and support transparent, evidence-based risk assessment for neighboring populations. [Citation: IAEA]