The United Nations Atomic Energy Agency has warned that the situation around the Russian-held Zaporizhia nuclear power plant has become extremely unpredictable and dangerous.
According to the news agency Reuters, the director general of the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, said that the pro-Russian governor has ordered the evacuation of the nearby city; in this context, the agency also issued a warning.
He said in a message on the organisation’s website that the situation around the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant is becoming unpredictable and dangerous.
“I am very concerned about the security risks facing the nuclear plant and its safety.” We must take immediate precautionary measures before any kind of nuclear accident occurs to protect the population and the environment from harm.
After the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin also ordered the seizure of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. Since then, there has been an exchange of fire near the plant, which both countries blame on each other.
Director-General Raffaele Grossi, during a visit to Zaporizhia, Europe’s largest power plant, in March, called for an agreement between the opposing parties to ensure the safety of the nuclear plant.
In September last year, Russia annexed four regions of Ukraine, one of which is the region of Zaporizhia.
The pro-Russian governor of Zaporizhia, Yevgeny Biltsky, said on Friday that the Ukrainian army had issued orders to evacuate nearby villages after the shelling intensified.
Ukraine has announced the launch of a counter-offensive in the spring, likely starting in the Zaporizhia region.
About 80% of the territory of Zaporizhia is occupied by Russia.