International Atomic Energy Agency: The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Poses Ongoing Risks to Nuclear Power Plant Safety

On the 9th, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Grossi stated that the IAEA teams stationed at various nuclear power plants in Ukraine have recently heard sounds of military activity, including drone and gunfire. There are currently no reports of damage to the nuclear power plants.

The IAEA working group stationed at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant heard the sound of military aircraft in the early hours of July 8, and subsequently learned that drones had been detected north of the plant. The South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant reported detecting six drones in the early hours of July 5 and three drones on July 2. At the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the IAEA working group heard gunfire on July 6, and then heard the sound of drones flying overhead while outside.

Grossi stated that these reports highlight the ongoing risks to nuclear safety and security amid the current conflict, and reflect the severe situation faced by various nuclear facilities. He called for maximum military restraint around nuclear facilities and full compliance with the seven pillars of nuclear safety and security principles. (Reporter: Yi Xin, CCTV)