Russian forces move equipment, explosives to engine room at Zaporizhia NPP

Ukraine's National Nuclear Energy Generating Company Energoatom said this in a Telegram post, Ukrinform reports.

"The Russian military brought at least 14 pieces of heavy military equipment with ammunition, weapons and explosives to the engine room of power unit No. 1 at the Zaporizhia NPP. The entire arsenal of heavy equipment with all ammunition is currently located very close to the equipment that ensures the operation of the turbo generator. In particular, in the immediate vicinity of the main oil tank, which contains flammable oil that cools the steam turbine. There is also explosive hydrogen, which is used to cool the generator," the post says.

It also added that the military equipment of the invaders made it impossible for fire engines and other vehicles to access the control room of power unit No. 1. Therefore, the risk of fire increases many times, and its extinguishing becomes extremely problematic.

"If a fire breaks out, for example, due to the accidental detonation of ammunition, its scale may be equal to the fire that occurred during the accident at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant," Energoatom said.

The post notes that the occupiers continue to violate all norms and requirements regarding fire, nuclear and radiation safety at nuclear power plants, keeping heavy military equipment, ammunition, weapons and explosives in the engine room of the power unit of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.

Energoatom once again insists on the need to liberate the Zaporizhia NPP as soon as possible and once again appeals to the international community with the request to take measures for this, because only Ukraine will be able to guarantee the smooth and safe operation of the Zaporizhia NPP.