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UN nuclear watchdog head condemns drone strike on Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Guardian staff and agencies, Mon 8 Apr 2024 

Rafael Grossi says three direct hits against the main reactor containment structures ‘significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident’

The head of the UN’s atomic watchdog agency has condemned a drone strike on one of six nuclear reactors at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine, saying such attacks “significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident”.

In a statement on X, Rafael Grossi confirmed at least three direct hits against the ZNPP main reactor containment structures. “This cannot happen,” the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said.

Grossi said it was the first such attack since November 2022, when he set out five basic principles to avoid a serious nuclear accident with radiological consequences.

Russian officials at the plant claimed the site was attacked on Sunday by Ukrainian military drones, including a strike on the dome of the plant’s sixth power unit.

Ukraine’s intelligence agency has denied responsibility for the strike………………………………… more https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/08/un-nuclear-watchdog-head-condemns-drone-strike-on-zaporizhzhia-power-plant

April 9, 2024 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized