IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi conducted a critical inspection of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia on August 27, 2024, amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. During his visit, Grossi observed evidence of recent drone attacks on the plant’s territory, raising alarm about the facility’s vulnerability to military actions.’There is a risk or a possibility of a nuclear accident here,’ Grossi warned journalists, emphasizing the plant’s proximity to ongoing military activities. He highlighted the unique danger posed by the plant’s RBMK reactors, which lack protective casings or containment structures, making them particularly susceptible to external impacts such as artillery or drone strikes.’When the plant is operating, the temperature is much higher, and if there were an incident or something that could affect it, there would be serious consequences,’ Grossi stated. While he noted that the plant is currently functioning ‘in conditions very close to normal,’ he stressed that any impact on it could have grave repercussions.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. In response, Grossi reiterated his appeal to conflicting parties to never target nuclear facilities in military activities, stating, ‘Ultimately, again, it may seem simple and healthy common sense: Don’t attack a nuclear power plant’.Following his inspection, Grossi announced plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss nuclear safety measures and the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently under Russian control. The international community remains on high alert as the IAEA continues its efforts to prevent a nuclear incident in the region.
Key points
- IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi observed evidence of drone attacks during his inspection of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.
- Grossi warned of the risk of a nuclear accident due to the plant’s vulnerability and proximity to military activities.
- The IAEA chief plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss nuclear safety measures.
Contradictions👾While most sources report Grossi’s concerns about the plant’s vulnerability, some Russian sources emphasize that the plant is operating under normal conditions.
