Situation at ZNPP remains highly precarious, potentially dangerous - Grossi

On Friday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a new report on the situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, in which the head of the organization, Rafael Grossi, assessed the situation at the plant and stressed the importance of adhering to the five principles to prevent a nuclear accident.

That's according to the report published on the IAEA website, Ukrinform reports.

"While the principles won broad support at the United Nations Security Council, which is very encouraging and an important step forward for ensuring nuclear safety and security at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, the general situation at the site remains highly precarious and potentially dangerous," Director General Grossi said.

ZNPP has been without an external backup power source for three months, making it extremely vulnerable if the only operating main power line fails again, the report said.

On May 30, the IAEA Director presented five principles aimed at preventing a nuclear accident to the UN Security Council.

According to one of the principles, the external power supply to the ZNPP should not be put at risk, and all efforts should be made to keep the off-site power supply available and safe at all times.

Other principles include the obligation not to conduct military shelling from or towards the plant, not to use the facility as a depot or base for heavy weapons, and to protect structures, systems and components necessary for the safe and reliable operation of the plant from attacks and sabotage.

Grossi added that there is now a need to intensify efforts to guarantee a more stable and predictable external power supply to ZNPP.

The IAEA chief plans to visit Zaporizhzhia NPP soon, which will be his third visit to the facility.

As Ukrinform reported, the Russians almost destroyed the emergency preparedness and response system at ZNPP.