Ukrainian operator Energoatom announced that “power unit 6 is still operating” and provides the electricity needed by the nuclear plant.
One of the two reactors of its nuclear power plant Zaporizhia that remained in operation was closed due to Russian bombings, Ukrainian operator Energoatom announced today.
“As a result of yet another shelling by Russian (…) forces against the Zaporizhia nuclear plant site, emergency protection was activated and the fifth power plant was shut down,” Energoatom reported on Telegram.
THE Energoatom he added that “power unit 6 is still operating” and providing the electricity the nuclear plant needs.
The mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is directed to the nuclear power plant located in the Russian-controlled city of Enerhodar in Zaporizhia, amid mutual accusations between Moscow and Kiev for attacks and bombings in the region.
“Provocation” says Russia
The Ministry of Defense of Russia announced today that Ukrainian forces attempted to seize the nuclear plant. According to Moscow, 60 Ukrainian soldiers crossed the Dnieper River, which separates the two sides, in boats at 06:00 am local time. Russia called the operation a “provocation” aimed at disrupting the planned visit of the IAEA team.
The Russian ministry stressed that “measures were taken” to neutralize the opposing troops, also with the help of the air force.
For its part, a Russian-appointed regional official said Russian forces had spotted Ukrainian troops near the nuclear plant, with the Russian air force pinning them down.
In an interview with Russian state broadcaster RT, Vladimir Rogov said Ukrainian forces launched the attack out of “desperation” ahead of an upcoming IAEA visit to the nuclear plant.
The Russians are bombing, Kyiv complains
Earlier the Ukrainian authorities of Zaporizhia province accused Russian troops of shelling Enerhodar, along the route the IAEA mission will take to reach the nuclear plant.
“The Russians are launching artillery strikes against the route the IAEA mission will take to get to the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant,” which is in Russian handsthe exiled mayor of the city complained Dmitri Orlov on Telegram.
He estimated that the mission cannot “continue its way” to the station “for security reasons”.
“We demand that Russia cease provocations and allow IAEA access to this Ukrainian nuclear facility”Orloff pointed out.
Already at dawn, the Russians “opened fire on Enerhodar with mortars, automatic weapons and rocket launchers,” Orlov had reported in Telegram. His post was accompanied by photos of damaged buildings and plumes of black smoke.
The IAEA is considering a permanent presence at the nuclear plant
The possibility constant presence at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine will be examined by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Raphael Grossi, he said today before the departure of the IAEA mission which is in Zaporizhia to visit the station.
“There is increased military activity this morning as well, as recently as a few minutes ago (…) but weighing the pros and cons and having come this far, we are not stopping”he told reporters before the delegation led by him left to visit the nuclear plant.
RES-EMP
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