Russian forces plant explosives in ZNPP’s power unit 4

Representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that the Russian occupiers had placed military equipment, weapons, and explosives in the premises of the turbine section of power unit No. 4 at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant they captured more than a year ago.

That’s according to Ukraine’s State Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Ukrinform reports.

“This became known during the weekly communication meeting between the IAEA Crisis Center (IEC) and the State Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding the activities of the IAEA mission at the Zaporizhia NPP site, held on May 2, 2023,” the report reads.

It should be recalled that in late July 2022, the Russian military placed heavy military equipment and ammunition, as well as weapons and explosives, in the engine room of Power Unit 1 of the ZNPP.

In early August 2022, reports came regarding the deployment of military equipment in the engine room of Power Unit No. 2.

Also, through unofficial channels, the State Nuclear Regulatory Commission receives reports of military equipment, weapons, and explosives being stocked in other production premises of the ZNPP, including in repair and mechanical workshops and on the roofs of power units.

The latest round of criminal actions by Russian occupiers mark “another step that causes significant damage to the nuclear and radiation safety of the nuclear facilities located at the industrial site of the Zaporizhia NPP.”

“Inadequate decisions and actions by the Russian military endanger both the personnel of the nuclear plant and the residents of nearby settlements,” the report emphasizes.

“In the event of an emergency situation at the ZNPP with a potential release of radioactive substances into the environment, the consequences will affect not only Ukraine  as they will be of a cross-border nature,” the Commission stresses.

Nuclear terrorism, to which Russia resorts, is an “unacceptable phenomenon” in the civilized world, experts added.

“We call on the international community for a consolidated and decisive response to the actions of the aggressor state, the introduction of tough sanctions against Russian nuclear industry enterprises and persons affiliated with them. We emphasize that the Russian Federation must be deprived of all rights and privileges in the IAEA and other international institutions in the field of nuclear energy use,” Commission concluded.