IAEA chief assesses nuclear safety risks at Zaporizhzhia, Kursk plants

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi has pointed out that while the situations at the Zaporizhzhia and Kursk nuclear power plants are distinct, both present significant nuclear safety risks.

"We must make it clear that Zaporizhzhia and Kursk are different cases. The common factor is that both face potential compromises to nuclear and physical safety," Grossi stated during a press conference marking the opening of another IAEA Board of Governors session in Vienna, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media. 

Grossi explained that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is situated near a combat zone and has been subjected to shelling, with one of its cooling towers having burned down and complete power outages occurring at the plant.  

In contrast, the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant operates normally within Russian territory, despite nearby combat activities approximately 30 kilometres away. During his visit to Kursk, Grossi noted seeing what appeared to be evidence of shelling. He emphasised that while the IAEA is actively engaged and supporting efforts at the Zaporizhzhia plant, its role concerning the Kursk plant is more observational, with the situation there appearing to be slightly beyond control.