The head of the UN nuclear watchdog Rafael Grossi appealed on Thursday for a safety zone around the Russian-held Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine after another malfunction there, saying he was “surprised by the complacency” about the issue. ” Were.
Grossi told the board of governors of the 35 countries of the IAEA, “Every time we are rolling a dice. And if we allow this to continue over and over again, one day our fortunes will shine.”
Europe’s largest nuclear power plant lost its last external power line in the early hours of Thursday following overnight missile attacks in Ukraine.
The plant is now down to the emergency diesel generator, a last line of defense to keep the reactor fuel cool and prevent a potentially catastrophic meltdown.
As in previous attacks, Russia and Ukraine blamed each other. Diplomats say Grossi is trying to get both sides to make a deal in which they will pledge not to fire at or from the plant and heavy weapons will be removed.
According to an IAEA statement, Grossi said at the board’s quarterly meeting, “This is the sixth time – I say it again the sixth time, that the ZNPP has lost all off-site power and had to operate in this emergency mode.” Is.”
“Let me remind you – this is the largest nuclear power station in Europe. What are we doing? How can we sit in this room this morning and let this happen? This cannot continue. I am amazed.”
He said that everyone should commit to the safety and security of the plant.
“And we need to commit now. What we need is action,” he said.
