The latest disturbing events occurred near the Zaporizhzhia NPP are evident danger that cannot leave indifferent not only Ukraine, but also all of Europe. Fires around the plant, shelling of the ZNPP Offsite Emergency Response Centre located in Zaporizhzhia city, caused by deliberate actions of the occupiers, difficulties with cooling water supply for ZNPP reactors, directly threaten to the largest nuclear facility in Europe.
It should be recalled that on August 10, because of the russian attack on Zaporizhzhia, the ZNPP Offsite Emergency Response Centre was in the firing line. It is an integral part of the plant safety system and a key structure for monitoring the radiation situation within the plant surveillance area on the territory controlled by Ukraine. This confirms that the aggressor disregards international norms and threatens not only Ukraine, but also the world.
A particular danger is fires around the plant. The recent fire of dry reed grass on the site of the destroyed Kakhovka reservoir, as well as other incidents, including a large-scale fire in 2024 occurred in the cooling tower of the service water supply system, are obvious problems of the lack of proper management and safety at the plant.
After more than three years of occupation, the technical condition of the plant equipment is deteriorating. The decrease in the water level in the cooling pond due to the explosion of the Kakhovka HPP is a threat to stable operation of the reactor cooling systems. In fact, even in the “cold shutdown” state of the power units, the nuclear fuel in the reactors requires heat removal, and this is accomplished through the water cooling system.
The IAEA has already responded to the situation, in particular, in the latest statement by Director General Rafael Grossi it is stressed that there are growing difficulties in ensuring a reliable supply of cooling water for the plant six reactors and their safety systems.
The actions of the occupiers once again demonstrate their irresponsible attitude and barbarism towards the plant operation; it poses risks for the radiation and nuclear safety of the entire European region.
