06/05/2023 21:51 (act. 06/05/2023 21:51)
The situation around the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is becoming increasingly unpredictable ©APA/AFP
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is alarmed by the tense situation surrounding Ukraine’s Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. The situation is becoming more and more unpredictable and the risk of danger at the Russian-occupied nuclear power plant is increasing, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said late on Saturday. “I am extremely concerned about the very real security risks,” he warned in a status report. “We must act now to prevent an imminent serious nuclear accident.”
The pro-Moscow administration in the Zaporizhia region announced evacuations on Friday, including the town of Enerhodar, where most of the nuclear power plant’s personnel live. According to Grossi, employees are still on site, but the situation is still becoming “increasingly tense, stressful and challenging” for them and their families. According to the IAEA, permanent stress can lead to errors and accidents in nuclear power plants.
Grossi again called for an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to protect the nuclear power plant from attack. Originally, Moscow was optimistic about the plan, while Kiev was skeptical because it did not foresee a Russian withdrawal from the plant, as the German Press Agency learned from European diplomatic circles. As Kiev had recently taken a more positive stance, but at the same time asked the Russians to withdraw, Russia was seen as less likable.
A Ukrainian counteroffensive is expected in the near future. One possibility is a military advance in the Zaporizhia region towards the coast of the Sea of Azov.
On Saturday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy formulated the goal of freeing all compatriots captured by Russia. “We must and will bring back all our people from Russian captivity,” Zelenskyy said in his evening video speech. It is not known how many Ukrainians and how many Russians are being held on the other side more than 14 months after the start of the war.
Another prisoner exchange between the two warring parties had already been announced on Saturday. According to consistent information, three Russian Air Force pilots and 45 Ukrainian soldiers were released.