VIENNA, Jan 26 International Atomic Energy Agency experts ( IAEA) reported powerful explosions in the area of the Zaporizhzhya NPP, according to a statement on the organization's website.
"IAEA experts present at the ZNPP, <…> report that powerful explosions occurred outside the facility, indicating military operations near the facility, located on the front line of the ongoing conflict in the country,» the report says.
It is specified that in recent days and weeks, agency experts have been stations reported similar incidents almost daily to headquarters in Vienna. In particular, the previous morning they recorded eight strong explosions, which caused the windows to vibrate. The agency also clarified that «today they have become more audible.»
Zaporozhye NPP is located on the left bank of the Dnieper near the town of Energodar. This is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe in terms of the number of units and installed capacity. Since March, it has been under the protection of the Russian military. As emphasized in the Russian Foreign Ministry, this is necessary to avoid leaks of nuclear and radioactive materials.
At the same time, Ukrainian troops regularly shell both the station and the neighboring city of Energodar. According to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, in this way the Kyiv regime seeks to create the appearance of a threat of a nuclear catastrophe. The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly pointed out the need to create a security zone around the station.
The Kremlin noted that it is necessary to demand that Ukraine withdraw heavy weapons from the ZNPP and stop shelling. Moscow also indicated that there were no significant changes in the security zone around the station.