IAEA experts try to get access to ZNPP reactors - Grossi

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi announced this, Ukrinform states.

IAEA experts have requested additional access to confirm the absence of mines or explosives at the facility. Access to the roofs of reactor units 3 and 4 is needed, as well as access to parts of the turbine halls and some parts of the plant's cooling system, he said.

According to Grossi, IAEA experts present at the plant in recent days and weeks have been inspecting parts of the plant, including some areas around the perimeter of the large cooling pond, and have been making regular walk-arounds.

IAEA Director General emphasized the importance of the Agency's team inspecting the entire ZNPP territory.

"With military tension and activities increasing in the region where this major nuclear power plant is located, our experts must be able to verify the facts on the ground. Their independent and objective reporting would help clarify the current situation at the site, which is crucial at a time like this with unconfirmed allegations and counter allegations," Grossi said.

The Director General said the IAEA team did not report any recent shelling or explosions, adding that the Russian military presence at the site remains unchanged.

Separately, the IAEA team reported that the only main external 750 kilovolt (kV) power line was reconnected to ZNPP, about 12 hours after it was suddenly disconnected on July 4 overnight, forcing the plant to rely on backup power sources.

As Ukrinform reported, earlier the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced a possible provocation on the territory of ZNPP, occupied by Russian terrorists since March 4, 2022.

The General Staff noted that, according to operational information, on July 4, foreign objects similar to explosive devices were placed on the roof of the third and fourth power units of ZNPP.