International Atomic Energy Agency warns over Europe’s largest nuclear power plant is in grave danger

According to a report by Associated Press on August 3, the U.N. nuclear chief warned that Europe’s largest nuclear power plant “is completely out of control” and issued an urgent plea to Russia and Ukraine to quickly allow experts to visit the sprawling complex to stabilize the situation and avoid a nuclear accident.

 Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in an interview Tuesday with the Associated Press that at the situation of the Zaporizhzhia plant in the southeastern city of Enerhodar, which Russian troops seized in early March, is getting more perilous everyday.

 “Every principle of nuclear safety has been violated. What is at stake is extremely serious and extremely grave and dangerous.” Grosi said.

 He cited many violations of the plant’s safety, adding that it is “in a place where active war is ongoing,” near Russian-controlled territory.

 Grossi stated, the paradox now is that the plant is currently under Russian control, but the maintenance and operation are still carried out by Ukrainian staff. Although the International Atomic Energy Agency has occasional contact with the plant staff, unexpected circumstances could happen at any time.

 The director noted that the supply chain of equipment and spare parts for the plant has been disrupted, “so we are not sure the plant is getting all it needs.” The IAEA also needs to perform very important inspections to ensure that nuclear material is being safeguarded. “There is a lot of nuclear material there to be inspected.” Grossi said.