IAEA says it is concerned about events near Kursk NPP: statement

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that it is monitoring the situation in connection with reports of military actions taking place near the Kursk nuclear power plant. Accordingly, the IAEA called on the parties to exercise restraint.

This statement was made by the organization's Director General Rafael Grossi. He added that he is personally in contact with the relevant authorities of both countries.

The IAEA reminded that this nuclear power plant has six power units with two different types of reactors. Two units are shut down, two more are under constructiona and the last two are in full operation.

"In connection with reports of significant military activity, I would like to remind all parties of the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety and security during armed conflict. In addition, I emphasize five specific principles of nuclear safety and security that were established for the Zaporizhzhya NPP in the context of the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine and are equally applicable in this situation. They include, among other things, the imperative to ensure the physical integrity of the nuclear power plant. This is true regardless of where the nuclear power plant is located," Grossi said.

In March 2022, the IAEA developed seven components of the assessment of nuclear and security in Ukraine in the context of armed conflict, which Grossi calls "indispensable pillars". According to him, they allow to effectively assess the most important and urgent needs in the field of nuclear and physical security of Ukrainian nuclear facilities.

These are components that comply with safety standards and IAEA nuclear security guidelines.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Russian Federation informed the IAEA about the discovery of debris, probably from downed missiles, at the Kursk NPP. The permanent mission of the aggressor country to international organizations in Vienna stated that no direct shelling of the Kursk NPP has been recorded so far, but the situation is tense.

In turn, the mayor of the Russian city of Kurchatov (a satellite city of the nuclear power plant), Igor Korpunkov, officially stated that the fighting is already several dozen kilometers away. The situation is tense, and a state of emergency has been declared.

In general, against the backdrop of the operation in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, Russians were afraid that the Ukrainian Armed Forces might seize the Kursk nuclear power plant in the city of Kurchatov. The nuclear power plant is located about 60 kilometers from the nearest point on the Ukrainian-Russian border.

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