The intentions of the Russian occupiers to bring ZNPP power units to energy levels pose a great danger of accidents with radiation consequences that will have transboundary effects. This was stated by SNRIU Chairman Oleh Korikov during a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, UNN reports with reference to the SNRIU.
More than two years of military occupation, lack of proper maintenance and repairs, incompetent and illegitimate personnel have led to a significant degradation of nuclear and radiation safety, and lack of emergency response capabilities. In addition, the Kakhovka Reservoir, which performed an important function of uninterrupted water supply, especially when operating ZNPP units at power levels, was destroyed as a result of the Russian invaders' blowing up the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam. Therefore, any attempts to resume electricity production at ZNPP now are another cynical blackmail by the Russian occupiers
The SNRIU Chairman noted that safe operation of ZNPP is possible only after its demilitarization, de-occupation and return under the control of Ukraine.
Korikov emphasized that the constant shelling of Ukraine's energy infrastructure by the Russian military, which leads to complete or partial blackouts, creates additional risks to nuclear and radiation safety of nuclear power facilities.
During the meeting, the SNRIU Chairman and the IAEA Director General also discussed the work of the Agency's permanent monitoring missions at Ukrainian nuclear power plants, including the occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP, and a number of proposals to expand their functions.
Recall
On March 23, enemy shelling damaged a power line, which resulted in the shutdown of an additional power supply circuit of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant twice in one day.