International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said today that he personally will lead the organization's mission, which tomorrow will inspect the Kursk NPP in the southwestern part of Russia, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
„Given the serious situation, I will personally lead tomorrow's IAEA mission to the Kursk NPP in Russia”, wrote Grossi on the “Ex“ social network.
„I confirm that the security and safety of nuclear facilities must not be jeopardized under any circumstances”, he added.
The object is located about 30 km. from the zone of hostilities that broke out about three weeks ago after the Armed Forces of Ukraine made a surprise entry into Russian territory, DPA recalled.
The nuclear power plant is located on the Seim River near the town of Kurchatov.
Last week, Russia informed the IAEA that an unmanned aerial vehicle had been intercepted near the plant. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of trying to attack the site, but without providing evidence. It is not yet clear whether the Kursk NPP is a target of the Ukrainian offensive.
Grossi has visited the Russian-occupied Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in Ukraine several times and even deployed an IAEA team there. The constant presence of international experts serves not only as a way to monitor the situation, but also to deter military actions that could cause a nuclear accident.