The IAEA team based at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) reported on Tuesday shelling near the site and observed black smoke rising from three locations nearby.
This was stated by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
“While there were no reports of casualties or equipment damage, the incident once again underlined the constant dangers to nuclear safety and security,” the IAEA chief said.
ZNPP informed the IAEA team that several artillery shells struck areas outside the plant grounds, approximately 400 meters from the station’s diesel fuel storage, also known as the diesel fuel park.
The incident is believed to have caused fires, which are under control.
According to the IAEA team’s own observations, sporadic shelling was heard over roughly two hours from 13:26 local time, including three shots near the site around 14:30. Gunfire was also audible. Smoke from locations outside the plant grounds was later observed by the team from the main administrative building of ZNPP.
The IAEA team has not yet been able to visit the shelled area but will attempt to inspect it on September 17 if the security situation permits.
“As I told the IAEA’s General Conference yesterday, military action still endangers the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. What was once virtually unimaginable – shelling or other military activity taking place close to major nuclear facilities – has become a regular occurrence during this horrific war. I’ve repeatedly called for maximum military restraint near nuclear power plants and I do so again today. This must stop before it is too late,” Grossi stated.
