IAEA discovers anti-personnel mines on the periphery of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant

Experts from the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) discovered directional anti-personnel mines on the periphery of the site of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). About it declared CEO of the organization Rafael Grossi.

The IAEA report clarifies that the mines were discovered during a round on July 23. They were located in the buffer zone between the inner and outer fences along the perimeter of the facility – the station personnel do not have access to this territory.

Grossi added that IAEA specialists were aware of the previous placement of mines outside the perimeter of the facility. “Our team discussed this specific finding with the station and they were told that this is a military decision, and in an area controlled by the military,” Grossi said. At the same time, he clarified that the placement of explosives at the facility is contrary to safety standards, and their detonation should not affect the nuclear safety of the station.

In recent weeks, the experts of the organization during the inspection of the Zaporizhzhya NPP did not find any heavy military equipment on the territory of the station. The IAEA clarified that they continue to request access to the roofs of the 3rd and 4th power units and to part of the plant’s engine rooms, which are “of particular interest.”

On July 5, Grossi reported that there were no signs of mining at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. He stressed that the IAEA continues to “remain vigilant.” A few days later, having gained access to a wider area of ​​the ZNPP cooling pond perimeter, he confirmed no signs of the placement of mines and explosives.

On July 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia had allegedly placed “explosive-like” objects on the roof of the ZNPP power units. Adviser to the head of the Rosenergoatom concern, Renat Karchaa, responded that Zelensky was “shamelessly lying” and he had no grounds for such statements.

Zaporozhye NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Since the end of February 2022, ZNPP has been under Russian control. The Russian side has repeatedly reported that the station and the city of Energodar, where it is located, are subjected to regular shelling by Ukraine.

In early September last year, an IAEA mission arrived at ZNPP. The organization called for an end to the attacks on the station and the establishment of a safe zone around it. On July 4, Grossi said the agency considers the situation at the ZNPP “extremely fragile and dangerous.”