IAEA cautions that assaults on a nuclear facility in Russian-occupied Ukraine pose a global threat

The tension between Russia and Ukraine escalated on Monday as both countries traded blame for the attacks on Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, warned that the world is “dangerously close to a nuclear accident” following three confirmed attacks on the plant since April 7.

Grossi called for an immediate halt to the reckless attacks, emphasizing the increased risk to nuclear safety. The remote-controlled drones used in the attacks have made it difficult to definitively determine the responsible party, further complicating the situation.

The Zaporizhzhia plant, located in Russian-controlled territory in southeastern Ukraine, has been a focal point of fears of a nuclear catastrophe since Russian troops occupied it in February 2022. The ongoing conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces, coupled with supply issues at the plant, has heightened concerns of a potential disaster.

Both Ukraine and its allies, as well as Russia, have continued to blame each other for the attacks. The United States accused Russia of disregarding the risks at the plant by forcibly controlling it, while Russia claimed Ukraine was behind the attacks.

The Zaporizhzhia facility, one of the world’s largest nuclear plants, remains a critical concern as the conflict in southern Ukraine shows no signs of abating. The recent attacks have not compromised the plant’s operations, but the need for power and qualified staff to maintain safety features remains a pressing issue.

As the Security Council convened to address the escalating situation, the world watches anxiously to see how the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will impact the safety of the Zaporizhzhia plant and the potential for a catastrophic nuclear incident.