(Reuters) – The U.N.’s nuclear watchdog revealed on Monday that anti-personnel mines were discovered within the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, a violation of safety procedures for the second consecutive month.
The Zaporizhzhia plant, which is the largest nuclear facility in Europe, was seized during Russia’s invasion last year. Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of shelling near the plant, prompting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to establish safety measures to prevent accidents.
The IAEA’s director general, Rafael Grossi, reported that agency inspectors stationed at the plant identified mines in a buffer zone located between the internal and external perimeter barriers. Previous inspections also revealed the presence of mines.
“However, the presence of explosives on the site goes against IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidelines and adds to the psychological stress experienced by plant staff,” stated Grossi on the agency’s website.
Grossi previously issued a warning about the presence of mines last month, during which he emphasized that they did not pose a risk to the plant’s security. In his recent statement, he reiterated that their initial assessment suggested that even if the mines were to explode, they would not impact the nuclear safety and security systems of the site.
The mines were found in an area inaccessible to staff, with inspectors being informed that their presence was a military decision, in an area controlled by the military.
Despite making three visits to the plant since its occupation by Russian forces, Grossi has been unable to reach an agreement with Russian and Ukrainian authorities on establishing a safety regime to prevent accidents.
Tensions surrounding the Zaporizhzhia plant have been escalating, with both sides accusing each other of plotting an attack on the facility this month.
Moscow has outlined plans to integrate the plant into Russia’s power grid in the future. Currently, the plant’s six reactors remain non-operational.
(Reporting by Ron Popeski; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
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