After weeks of negotiations, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant early Thursday afternoon. The mission of 14 experts, led by the head of the organization, Raphael Grossi, was to analyze the operating conditions of the most important nuclear power plant in Europe. “During these few hours, we managed to collect a lot of information. I saw the main things I needed to see.’ According to the Russian media accompanying him, he said while leaving the scene. However, part of the delegation was still there. “The IAEA remains”. said Rafael Grossi, considering that “physical integrityof the factory wasraped“.
Until the end, the start of the inspection operations remained uncertain, as Kiev and Moscow accused each other of military behavior, as they had for weeks. The Zaporozhye reactor was shut down due to the Russian bombing, the operator of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant “Energoatom” said on Thursday that one of the six reactors of the plant continues to work.
The state agency “Energoatom” continues to manage this plant, which came under the control of the Russian army at the beginning of March. The vast majority of its 11,000 employees are still in place. Russian engineers have neither the skills nor the means to independently manage the site, which was certainly built by the Soviets but since 1991 has been largely modernized with Western techniques.
On Thursday, Ukrainian authorities accused Russia of shelling Enerhodar, as well as the route the inspectors were supposed to take. Russia claims without presenting any evidence “Ukrainian commandos (…) tried to seize the station”.
500 Russian soldiers on the ground
It is clear that the Russian troops use the site of the power plant to store military vehicles there. Satellite photos show trucks parked, especially near Reactor #1. At least 500 Russian troops will be stationed there to officially ensure its security. The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Kyiv called for the cessation of all military operations around the factory, warning that an attack would take place. “disastrous”. “It’s time to stop playing with fire and instead take concrete measures to protect this site.” said Robert Mardini. “The slightest miscalculation can cause havoc that we regret for decades.”
The slightest miscalculation can cause havoc that we will regret for decades
Robert Mardini, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross
The duration of the IAEA mission raises questions. The international organization plans to work on the spot for several days, at least three. Experts also hope to be able to leave a monitoring group in place. An anonymous Ukrainian source, however, feared on Thursday that “The mission is shorter than expected”.
The long-term goal of the international organization is to achieve a neutral status for the plant, which will ensure its complete safety. An option that Moscow rejects, while Kiev is asking for full control to be restored. For the director of Energoatom, the mission will be successful if it achieves the demilitarization of Zaporizhia.
Source: Le Figaro
