IAEA loses contact with Chernobyl NPP monitoring systems

That’s according to Mykhailo Podoliak, an adviser to the head of the President's Office, who addressed the issue on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.

"The IAEA has unexpectedly lost connection with the Chornobyl monitoring systems of guarantees. At the moment no one understands what is happening in Chornobyl and what is threatening the region. An extremely dangerous situation," Podoliak wrote.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has lost touch with remote data transmission from the security control systems of the Chernobyl NPP. Ukraine also told the IAEA that it is becoming increasingly urgent and important for the safe management of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant to rotate about 210 technical staff and security guards working there after Russian troops took control of the station. The shift workers have been there for the past 13 days, with limited access to food, water, and medicine.

Ukraine has asked the IAEA to champion international support required to prepare a plan to replace the current shift and ensure an effective rotation system at the facility.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has repeatedly stressed that personnel operating nuclear facilities must be able to rest and work on a regular basis, saying this is crucial for overall nuclear safety.

As Ukrinform reported, on March 4, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi stated that he was ready to come to Ukraine in person to negotiate the safety of nuclear facilities.

As reported, on February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops are shelling and destroying key infrastructure, massively hitting residential areas of Ukrainian cities and villages, using artillery, multiple rocket launchers, and ballistic missiles.

Martial law was imposed in Ukraine and general mobilization was announced.

Ukraine has officially filed a lawsuit against the Russian Federation with the UN International Criminal Court in The Hague.