IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has raised alarm about the potential for a nuclear incident at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia following his inspection of the facility on August 27, 2024. Grossi’s visit comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides accusing each other of attacks near nuclear facilities.During his visit, Grossi observed evidence of drone attacks on the plant’s territory and expressed grave concern about the facility’s vulnerability. He emphasized the unique risk posed by the Kursk plant’s RBMK reactors, which lack protective casings or containment structures, making them particularly susceptible to external impacts such as artillery or drone strikes.’There is a danger of a nuclear incident here,’ Grossi stated to journalists, noting that while the plant is currently operating ‘close to normal conditions,’ any impact on it could have serious consequences. He drew parallels to the Chernobyl disaster, although he cautioned against direct comparisons.The IAEA chief’s visit was prompted by recent events, including claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukrainian forces attempted to attack the plant on August 23. Grossi plans to discuss his findings with Russian officials, including Rosatom’s General Director, Alexei Likhachev.In response to the situation, Grossi announced plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss nuclear safety measures and the potential expansion of the IAEA’s presence in Ukraine. The IAEA already maintains a presence at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has also been a point of contention in the ongoing conflict.As tensions continue to escalate, Grossi reiterated his appeal to conflicting parties to never target nuclear facilities in military activities. The situation remains critical, with the international community closely watching developments at the Kursk plant and other nuclear facilities in the region.
Key points
- IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visited the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, warning of a significant risk of a nuclear incident.
- Evidence of drone attacks was observed at the plant, raising concerns about its vulnerability.
- The Kursk plant’s RBMK reactors lack protective casings, making them particularly susceptible to external impacts.
- Grossi plans to meet with both Russian and Ukrainian officials to discuss nuclear safety measures.
Contradictions👾While most sources agree on the severity of the situation, there are slight discrepancies in the reported details of Grossi’s statements and the exact nature of the threats to the Kursk plant.
