Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant at Critical Risk, Says Rosatom Chief Amid Attacks
Escalating Tensions and Nuclear Safety Concerns
Recent Attacks and Statements from Rosatom
MOSCOW, May 18 (Reuters) - The situation around the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is reaching the "point of no return" due to increased Ukrainian attacks in the area, the head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom was quoted as saying on Monday.
The Russia-installed management at the nuclear plant, Europe's largest with six reactors, said Ukrainian forces had attacked the facility for the third day running.
Rosatom Chief's Warning
"We are getting closer and closer to the point of no return, and all of Europe now needs to expend efforts to de-escalate the situation around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant," Russian media quoted Alexei Likhachev, head of Rosatom, as saying.
"This is playing with fire and is, in the first instance, dangerous for Eastern European countries."
Plant Operations and Safety Measures
Nuclear Fuel and Operational Status
Likhachev said about 2,600 metric tons of nuclear fuel were at the plant. The plant generates no electricity, but must keep operating to keep nuclear fuel cool.
Impact of Recent Drone Attacks
The plant's management, in a post on Telegram, said the latest drone attack had caused no injuries or damage to facilities at the plant, which continued to operate normally.
International Oversight and Incident Reports
The statement said permanent monitors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog, had been shown damage from an incident on Sunday, when plant management said Ukrainian shelling struck a transport workshop.
Background and Ongoing Risks
History of the Zaporizhzhia Plant in the Conflict
The Zaporizhzhia plant was seized by Russian forces in the first weeks after the Kremlin's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Each side has regularly accused the other of military activity liable to compromise nuclear safety.
(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Alex Richardson, Rod Nickel and Ron Popeski)
